An infant's weight is 24 lb. Convert the infant's weight to kilograms:

Appeared in: Haryana CHO -2023

Explanation

The standard medical conversion factor is 1 kilogram (kg) is approximately equal to 2.2 pounds (lb).
To convert pounds to kilograms, the weight in pounds must be divided by 2.2.
The calculation is: 24 lb ÷ 2.2 lb/kg = 10.909... kg.
Rounding the result to the nearest tenth gives 10.9 kg, which matches the correct option.

Option A: This value is the result of an incorrect calculation. 11.5 kg is equivalent to approximately 25.3 lb, which is higher than the infant's actual weight.
Option C: This value is too low. 10.4 kg is equivalent to approximately 22.9 lb.
Option D: This value is significantly lower than the correct weight. 10 kg is equivalent to 22 lb.

$A simple graphic illustrating the conversion formula: Weight in Pounds ÷ 2.2 \= Weight in Kilograms, with the example 24 lb ÷ 2.2 \= 10.9 kg.$

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Unit Conversion: Pounds to Kilograms as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In pediatric nursing, medication dosages are almost always calculated based on the patient's weight in kilograms (e.g., mg/kg). An error in converting from pounds to kilograms is a common source of medication errors.
Accurate weight documentation and conversion are critical patient safety measures to prevent potentially life-threatening overdoses or ineffective underdoses in infants and children.
What if the question asked to convert 24 kg to pounds? The calculation would be reversed (multiplication instead of division): 24 kg × 2.2 lb/kg = 52.8 lb. This is important for communicating with families who may be more familiar with pounds.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core task from the question stem, which is to convert a unit of weight (pounds) to another (kilograms).
Recall the standard conversion factor used in clinical practice: 1 kg ≈ 2.2 lb.
Determine the correct mathematical operation. To go from a larger number of units (pounds) to a smaller number (kilograms), you need to divide.
Set up the equation: Weight in kg = Weight in lb ÷ 2.2.
Perform the calculation: 24 ÷ 2.2 = 10.909...
Compare your calculated result with the given options and select the one that matches, rounding if necessary.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q3a8YNJFtSxND-tRd1iczy

Potter & Perry Fundamentals of Nursing 9th Edition — Part 1 p. 354-360

Practise the full Haryana CHO -2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.