A nurse is caring for a newborn who weighs 3,500 g. The nurse should record the newborn’s weight as how many kg. (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert the newborn’s weight from grams to kilograms, you divide by 1,000 because there are 1,000 grams in one kilogram:Weight in kg=3,500 g1,000=3.5 kg\text{Weight in kg} = \frac{3,500 \text{ g}}{1,000} = 3.5 \text{ kg}Weight in kg=1,0003,500 g=3.5 kg
So, the nurse should record the newborn’s weight as 3.5 kg.
Explanation:
Accurate weight recording is crucial for newborns because it helps in assessing their growth, development, and overall health. Weight is also a vital factor in determining the correct dosage of medications and nutrients. Health professionals often use the metric system for this purpose, as it provides a standardized method for measurement across medical settings.
In this scenario, the newborn’s weight is provided in grams (3,500 g), and the task is to convert this into kilograms. Since 1 kilogram is equivalent to 1,000 grams, you divide the number of grams by 1,000 to get the weight in kilograms. Here, 3,500 grams divided by 1,000 equals 3.5 kilograms.
It is essential to follow the rounding and notation guidelines properly. Rounding the number to the nearest tenth means keeping one decimal place in the answer, and this provides a balance between precision and simplicity. In this case, 3.5 is already at the nearest tenth.
Moreover, proper use of zeros is significant. The instruction to use a leading zero (if applicable) ensures clarity when dealing with numbers less than one. However, avoiding a trailing zero (like 3.50) minimizes the risk of misinterpretation, which can be critical in medical documentation and dosing calculations.
Thus, the correct weight to record is 3.5 kg. This conversion ensures accurate communication of important clinical data.