ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7MathematicsMedium

A patient's medication dose is calculated based on their body weight. If a patient weighs 165 lbs and the medication dosage is 2 mg/kg, how many milligrams (mg) of medication should be administered? (Round to the nearest whole number)

  1. A150 mg
  2. B145 mg
  3. C160 mg
  4. D155 mg
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. 150 mg

First, convert the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms: 165 lbs / 2.2 lbs/kg = 75 kg. Then, multiply the weight in kg by the dosage per kg: 75 kg * 2 mg/kg = 150 mg. Rounding to the nearest whole number, the dose is 150 mg.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. Incorrect; results from an error in conversion or multiplication.
  • C. Incorrect; suggests an error in the initial conversion or the final multiplication.
  • D. Incorrect; likely a miscalculation or incorrect conversion factor.

Weight-Based Dosage Calculation

Calculating medication dosage based on a patient's body weight, often requiring unit conversion.

  • Requires converting pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kg) (1 kg ≈ 2.2 lbs).
  • Dosage is typically given in mg/kg.
  • Accuracy is critical for patient safety.

Memory trick: Pounds to Kilos First, then Dose per Kilo, so you don't burst!

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