Answer :
Final answer:
The correct dosage calculation involves converting pounds to kilograms and multiplying by the dosage per kilogram. The resulting dosage does not match any of the answer choices, underscoring the importance of unit precision and significant figures in such calculations.
Explanation:
The question asks for the correct dosage of a drug based on a person's weight in pounds when the dosage is given as milligrams per kilogram of body weight. First, we must convert the weight from pounds to kilograms since the dosage is specified per kilogram. Knowing that 1 pound is equal to approximately 0.453592 kilograms, we can calculate the person's weight in kilograms and then determine the dosage.
For a person weighing 115.0 lb:
- Weight in kilograms = 115 lb × 0.453592 kg/lb = 52.1638 kg
- Correct dosage = weight in kg × dosage per kg = 52.1638 kg × 6.00 mg/kg = 313.1828 mg
However, none of the provided options match the calculated dosage precisely. This indicates a possibility of rounding or different weight conversion factors. It's best to check the precision required by the context, whether rounding is appropriate, and ensure using the correct conversion factor between pounds and kilograms.
Important Note on Units and Precision
Units are critical in calculations, especially in the medical field where dosage accuracy is vital for patient safety. For instance, misunderstanding or omitting units can lead to administering the wrong amount of medication, which can have serious or fatal consequences.
Moreover, in scientific calculations, the precision of the final answer is dictated by the least precise measurement used in the calculation. Therefore, it's crucial to maintain the appropriate number of significant figures throughout the calculation process.
