Worked example

Weight-based dose (mg/kg) — practice problem 10

A patient weighs 88 lb. The prescriber orders vancomycin 5 mg/kg/dose.

Weight88 lb
Ordered5 mg/kg/dose

How many mg is the dose?

Answer: 200 mg

Step-by-step solution

1. Convert the patient's weight to kilograms
88 lb × ( 1 kg ÷ 2.2 lb )
= 40 kg
2. Multiply weight by the ordered mg/kg
40 kg × ( 5 mg ÷ 1 kg )
= 200 mg

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