(b) The recommended adult dose of Elixophyllin®, a drug used to treat asthma, is 6 mg/kg of body mass. Calculate the dose in milligrams for a 185-lb person.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Convert the body mass from pounds to kilograms using the conversion factor: 1 lb = 0.453592 kg.
2. Calculate the body mass in kilograms by multiplying 185 lb by the conversion factor.
3. Use the recommended dose of 6 mg/kg to calculate the total dose in milligrams.
4. Multiply the body mass in kilograms by the dose per kilogram to find the total dose in milligrams.
5. Ensure the units are consistent and check the calculation for accuracy.

Key Concepts

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a quantity expressed in one set of units to another. In this question, it is essential to convert the person's weight from pounds to kilograms, as the drug dosage is given in mg/kg. The conversion factor is 1 kg = 2.20462 lbs, which allows for accurate dosage calculations based on body mass.

Dosage Calculation

Dosage calculation involves determining the appropriate amount of medication based on a person's weight and the recommended dosage per unit of weight. In this case, the dosage is specified as 6 mg for every kilogram of body mass. By multiplying the converted weight in kilograms by the dosage per kilogram, one can find the total dose in milligrams.

Body Mass Measurement

Body mass measurement is crucial in pharmacology as it directly influences drug dosing. Accurate measurement ensures that the medication is effective and minimizes the risk of overdose or underdose. In this scenario, understanding how to measure and convert body mass is vital for calculating the correct dosage of Elixophyllin® for the individual.