A patient’s weight is 112 kilograms (kg), but the weight is to be recorded in pounds (lbs). What is the patient’s weight in pounds? (1 kg = 2.205 lbs)
The correct answer and explanation is:
To convert 112 kilograms to pounds, use the conversion factor:
1 kilogram (kg) = 2.205 pounds (lbs)
Step-by-step calculation:
112 kg×2.205 lbs/kg=246.96 lbs112 \, \text{kg} \times 2.205 \, \text{lbs/kg} = 246.96 \, \text{lbs}
✅ Correct answer: 246.96 pounds
💡 300-Word Explanation:
In healthcare, it’s important to accurately convert between different units of measurement, especially when caring for patients from regions using different systems. The metric system (kilograms) is commonly used in hospitals and internationally, while pounds are often used in the United States. Ensuring correct weight conversion is crucial for medication dosing, calculating nutritional needs, and monitoring patient status.
To convert from kilograms to pounds, you multiply the weight in kilograms by the conversion factor 2.205. This means every 1 kilogram equals 2.205 pounds. The factor is derived from international standard measurements and is universally accepted.
Let’s apply this to the patient who weighs 112 kilograms: 112×2.205=246.96 lbs112 \times 2.205 = 246.96 \, \text{lbs}
This result means that the patient weighs 246.96 pounds. This level of precision may be important in clinical settings, especially when weight-based dosing is required—such as in pediatric or chemotherapy dosing, where even small miscalculations can lead to underdosing or overdosing.
Knowing how to convert units is also essential for communicating with patients and caregivers. If a patient is used to pounds, converting kilograms can make information more accessible and easier to understand.
Lastly, accurate documentation of patient weight in the appropriate unit supports legal, billing, and clinical quality requirements. Errors in weight conversion can result in improper treatment, adverse outcomes, or legal consequences.
So, mastering simple conversions like this one not only strengthens clinical accuracy but also enhances patient safety and communication.
Final Answer: 246.96 pounds ✅