Final answer:
To determine the maximum number of cartridges of 2% lidocaine 1:100,000 that can be given to a patient weighing 120 lbs and without any specific medical condition, we need to calculate the safe dosage based on the patient's weight. The maximum number of cartridges that can be given to the patient is approximately 10.6 cartridges.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the maximum number of cartridges of 2% lidocaine 1:100,000 that can be given to a patient weighing 120 lbs and without any specific medical condition, we need to calculate the safe dosage based on the patient's weight.
The safe dosage of lidocaine is usually 7 mg/kg. So, we need to convert the weight of the patient from pounds to kilograms.
120 lbs is approximately 54.5 kg. Therefore, the safe dosage for this patient would be 54.5 kg x 7 mg/kg = 381.5 mg.
Each cartridge of 2% lidocaine 1:100,000 contains 36 mg of lidocaine. To calculate the maximum number of cartridges, we divide the safe dosage by the amount of lidocaine in each cartridge: 381.5 mg / 36 mg per cartridge = 10.6 cartridges.
Based on this calculation, the maximum number of cartridges that can be given to the patient is approximately 10.6 cartridges.