How many kilojoules are there in one kilocalorie?

Appeared in: UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022(shift-1st)

Explanation

The question asks for the direct conversion factor between one kilocalorie and kilojoules.
A kilocalorie (kcal) is a unit of heat energy defined by its effect on water temperature.
The joule (J) is the standard international (SI) unit for energy.
The internationally accepted conversion factor is precisely 1 kilocalorie = 4.184 kilojoules (kJ).

Option A: This value is incorrect. It is not the standard conversion factor between kilocalories and kilojoules.
Option C: This value is incorrect. It is not the standard conversion factor between kilocalories and kilojoules.
Option D: This value is incorrect. It is a close distractor but not the precise, scientifically accepted conversion factor.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Conversion between units of energy (kilocalories and kilojoules) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to interpret nutritional information, which may be presented in either kcal or kJ, to provide accurate patient education and dietary counseling.
Calculating a patient's total energy intake, especially for those on therapeutic diets or receiving nutritional support (like enteral or parenteral feeding), requires accurate conversion between units.
What if? If a patient's dietary plan from another country lists energy intake as 8400 kJ, the nurse must convert this to kcal to compare it with local guidelines. (8400 kJ ÷ 4.184 ≈ 2008 kcal).

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core question: It asks for a specific, factual conversion factor.
Recognize the units involved: Kilocalorie (kcal) and Kilojoule (kJ), both units of energy.
This is a factual recall question. Access your memory for standard scientific constants and conversions used in nutrition.
Recall the specific number: 1 kcal = 4.184 kJ.
Select the option that matches this recalled fact.
Eliminate the other options as they are incorrect numerical values.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Conversion between units of energy (kilocalories and kilojoules).
Stem keywords: kilojoules, kilocalorie, conversion
Lead-in keywords: How many

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E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e pp. 71-73, 72-74

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 167-169

Practise the full UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022(shift-1st)

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