A patient has a weight of 200 lbs. What is the weight in kg?
The correct answer and explanation is:
To convert a weight from pounds to kilograms, you can use the following conversion factor:
1 pound (lb) = 0.453592 kilograms (kg).
Given that the patient’s weight is 200 pounds, you multiply the weight in pounds by the conversion factor to find the weight in kilograms: 200 lbs×0.453592 kg/lb=90.7184 kg.200 \, \text{lbs} \times 0.453592 \, \text{kg/lb} = 90.7184 \, \text{kg}.
So, the patient’s weight is approximately 90.72 kg.
Explanation:
The process of converting units from pounds to kilograms involves using a standardized conversion factor that equates pounds to kilograms. The factor of 0.453592 is derived from the relationship between the two units, ensuring the result is accurate.
Pounds and kilograms are both units of weight or mass, but they belong to different measurement systems. Pounds are commonly used in the Imperial system, which is still prevalent in the United States and a few other countries. On the other hand, kilograms are the standard unit of mass in the metric system, which is used globally in most countries and scientific disciplines.
The reason this conversion is necessary in various medical and scientific contexts is to ensure uniformity in measurements, especially when using metric units for documentation, research, or treatment protocols. For instance, medications and medical equipment are often dosed or calibrated in kilograms, so converting a patient’s weight from pounds to kilograms is essential for accurate healthcare delivery.
Knowing how to convert between pounds and kilograms is important in a variety of professions such as healthcare, engineering, and science, where precise measurements of weight are critical.