The healthcare provider prescribes an intravenous (IV) bolus of diltiazem 0.25 mg/kg for a client with atrial fibrillation. The client weighs 178 pounds. How many mg should the nurse administer? (Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number.)

1. Convert client weight to kilograms (kg): Client weight (lbs) = 178 We know 1 kg = 2.2 lbs Client weight (kg) = 178 lbs / 2.2 lbs/kg = 81.36 kg (rounded to two decimal places for accuracy) 2. Calculate the total diltiazem dosage: Dosage per kg = 0.25 mg/kg Client weight (kg) = 81.36 kg Total dosage (mg) = Dosage per kg * Client weight (kg) Total dosage (mg) = 0.25 mg/kg * 81.36 kg = 20.34 mg (rounded to two decimal places for accuracy) 3. Round the dosage to the nearest whole number for administration: Total dosage (mg) = 20.34 mg (rounded to two decimal places) In practice, medication dosages are typically rounded to the nearest whole number for safe and accurate administration. Therefore, the nurse should administer 20 mg of diltiazem.