A patient weighs 218 lbs. What is their weight in Kg?
A. 479 kg
B. 109 kg
C. 409 kg
D. 99 kg
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert a weight from pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kg), you can use the conversion factor that 1 kilogram is approximately equal to 2.20462 pounds. The formula for conversion is:
[
\text{Weight in kg} = \frac{\text{Weight in lbs}}{2.20462}
]
Given that the patient weighs 218 lbs, we can substitute this value into the formula:
[
\text{Weight in kg} = \frac{218 \text{ lbs}}{2.20462}
]
Now, performing the calculation:
[
\text{Weight in kg} \approx \frac{218}{2.20462} \approx 98.867
]
Rounding this to two decimal places gives approximately 99 kg.
Answer:
D. 99 kg
Explanation:
The conversion from pounds to kilograms is a common task in clinical settings, especially since many medical measurements and guidelines use the metric system. Understanding this conversion is essential for accurate medication dosing, nutritional assessments, and other healthcare-related calculations.
The conversion factor (1 kg = 2.20462 lbs) comes from the definition of the kilogram based on the pound. To further clarify the steps:
- Identify the weight in pounds: The patient’s weight is given as 218 lbs.
- Use the conversion factor: The weight in pounds is divided by the conversion factor to convert it into kilograms.
- Perform the calculation: This yields approximately 98.87 kg.
- Round as needed: In clinical practice, it’s often appropriate to round to the nearest whole number for ease of communication and documentation, resulting in 99 kg.
By mastering these conversions, healthcare providers can ensure that they accurately assess and treat their patients, particularly in settings where weight impacts medication dosages, fluid management, and nutritional planning. Understanding the relationships between different units of measurement is fundamental in nursing and other medical fields.