Final answer:
The safe dosage range per day for a patient weighing 55 lbs is 75-150 mg/day when prescribed Phenobarbital. The patient's weight must first be converted to kilograms, then multiplied by the given dosage range of 3-6 mg/kg/day. so, option a is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The safe dosage range per day for a patient weighing 55 lbs, prescribed Phenobarbital, can be calculated using the given dosage range of 3-6 mg/kg/day. First, we need to convert the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms, knowing that 1 kg = 2.2 lbs.
55 lbs × (1 kg / 2.2 lbs) = 25 kg (approximately)
Now, using the patient's weight in kilograms, the safe dosage range can be calculated:
Low End: 3 mg/kg/day × 25 kg = 75 mg/day
High End: 6 mg/kg/day × 25 kg = 150 mg/day
Therefore, the safe dosage range for a patient weighing 55 lbs is 75-150 mg/day.
It's important to always use the correct units when prescribing medication, as a mistake can lead to an overdose or ineffective treatment. For Phenobarbital, the lethal dosage can vary, and signs of overdose may include sluggishness, incoordination, and in severe cases, coma or death.