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Ch.1 - Chemical Tools: Experimentation & Measurement
Chapter 1, Problem 102

Administration of digitalis, a drug used to control atrial fibrilla-tion in heart patients, must be carefully controlled because even a modest overdose can be fatal. To take differences between patients into account, drug dosages are prescribed in terms of mg/kg body weight. Thus, a child and an adult differ greatly in weight, but both receive the same dosage per kilogram of body weight. At a dosage of 20 mg/kg body weight, how many mil-ligrams of digitalis should a 160 lb patient receive?

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Dosage Calculation

Dosage calculation is essential in pharmacology, particularly when determining the appropriate amount of medication based on a patient's weight. The formula used is typically the dosage per kilogram multiplied by the patient's weight in kilograms. This ensures that patients of different sizes receive a proportional amount of the drug, minimizing the risk of overdose or underdose.
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Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is a critical skill in chemistry and pharmacology, especially when dealing with measurements in different systems. In this case, converting pounds to kilograms is necessary since the dosage is given in mg/kg. Understanding how to convert between units (1 lb = 0.453592 kg) allows for accurate calculations and ensures that the correct dosage is administered.
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Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics refers to how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. It is crucial for understanding the effects of a drug like digitalis, as individual patient factors such as weight, age, and health status can influence how the drug acts. This knowledge helps healthcare providers tailor dosages to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing the risk of toxicity.