Question

The drug insert states that the recommended dose is 10–15 mg/lb every 6–8 hours for 48 hours. The patient weighs 65 kg. What is the lowest total dosage for the drug administration period for this?

Answer 1

To find the lowest total dosage for a 48-hour period, convert the patient's weight to pounds, calculate the dosage per weight using the lower bound of the recommended range, and then multiply by the number of doses taken at the longest interval. For a 65 kg patient, the lowest total dosage is 8598 mg.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question involves calculating the lowest total dosage of medication over a specified time when given a dosage range based on body weight. To determine the lowest total dosage for a 65 kg patient, first convert the weight from kilograms to pounds (1 kg = 2.20462 lbs), and then use the lower end of the recommended dose range (10 mg/lb) to maintain the lowest dosage requirement. Multiply the result by the number of doses taken within the 48-hour period, using the longest recommended interval between doses (every 8 hours).

Here is how you calculate it:

• Convert the patient's weight to pounds: 65 kg × 2.20462 lbs/kg = 143.3 lbs
• Determine the lowest dosage per pound: 10 mg/lb
• Calculate the single dose for the patient: 143.3 lbs × 10 mg/lb = 1433 mg
• Figure out the number of doses in 48 hours using an 8-hour interval: 48 hours ÷ 8 hours/dose = 6 doses
• Calculate the lowest total dosage: 1433 mg × 6 doses = 8598 mg

The lowest total dosage for the patient over the 48-hour period is 8598 mg.