Question 2

The nurse should administer 154 milligrams of medication.

To determine the correct dosage for a patient weighing 170 pounds, first convert the weight from pounds to kilograms. Using the conversion factor of 1 pound = 0.454 kilograms, the patient's weight in kilograms is approximately 77.11. Then, multiplying this weight by the dosage of 2 milligrams per kilogram results in a total of about 154 milligrams.

A) 77 milligrams

This option is incorrect because it underestimates the patient's weight in kilograms and the corresponding dosage. A calculation of 77 milligrams would suggest a weight far less than 170 pounds, which does not apply to the situation presented.

B) 374 milligrams

This option is also incorrect as it represents an overestimation of the required dosage. The calculation leading to 374 milligrams does not accurately reflect the conversion from the patient's weight in pounds to kilograms multiplied by the correct dosage per kilogram.

C) 154 milligrams

This is the correct answer because converting 170 pounds to kilograms gives approximately 77.11 kg. Multiplying this weight by the prescribed dosage of 2 milligrams per kilogram results in a correct total of approximately 154 milligrams of medication needed for administration.

D) 187 milligrams

This option is incorrect since it suggests a dosage that is higher than the calculated requirement. The calculation leading to 187 milligrams does not align with the conversion and dosage guidelines provided in the question.

Conclusion

The correct dosage of 154 milligrams accurately reflects the conversion of the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms and the application of the prescribed dosage. Options A, B, and D either underestimate or overestimate the required amount, failing to adhere to the calculation based on the given weight and dosage instructions. Thus, C is the only viable answer based on the information provided.