A physician prescribed 10 mg of an antibiotic per kilogram of body weight for a patient/client who weighs 165 lb. How many kilograms does the patient/client weigh? How many grams per kilogram would the nurse give?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Use two equivalents: 1 kg = 2.2 lb and 1 g = 1000 mg. To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.2 and round to the nearest tenth. Therefore, 165 lb / 2.2 = 75 kg. When you move from a smaller quantity (milligrams) to a larger quantity (grams), divide or move the decimal three places to the left. To convert 10 mg to grams, move the decimal point three places to the left: 0.01 g. The Quick Method for changing milligrams to grams is to write the equivalent that you need, show which way the decimal point should move by drawing an arrow, make sure the open part of the arrow always faces the larger measure, and remember that 1 g = 1000 mg; the gram is the larger measure (1000 mg < x g). The arrow directs moving the decimal point three places to the left (10 mg = 0.01 g).

A Physician Prescribed 10 Mg of an Antibiotic Per Kilogram