The normal birth weight of a newborn as per Indian Academy of Paediatrics is:

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Explanation

The internationally accepted cutoff for normal birth weight is 2.5 kg. Any weight below this is classified as Low Birth Weight (LBW).
The normal range for birth weight in Indian newborns is typically considered to be between 2.5 kg and 3.9 kg.
While the average birth weight is around 2.8-3.0 kg, 2.5 kg represents the critical lower threshold for the normal category, making it the best answer among the choices.

Option B: A birth weight of 2 kg is classified as Low Birth Weight (LBW), as it is below the 2.5 kg threshold.
Option C: A birth weight of 1.5 kg is classified as Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW), indicating a significantly higher risk for the neonate.
Option D: A birth weight of 4 kg is classified as Macrosomia (large for gestational age), which is above the normal range and associated with its own set of risks.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Neonatal birth weight classification as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Birth weight is a primary indicator of neonatal health and a key predictor of infant morbidity and mortality. Nurses must accurately weigh newborns and understand the implications of the measurement.
A newborn with a low birth weight (<2.5 kg) requires close monitoring for complications such as hypothermia, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress, and feeding difficulties.
Macrosomic infants (>4.0 kg) need to be assessed for birth injuries (e.g., shoulder dystocia, fractures) and monitored for hypoglycemia, as they are often born to mothers with gestational diabetes.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the definition of 'normal birth weight' for a newborn.
Recall the standard pediatric and neonatal classifications for birth weight.
The key is to remember the specific cutoff value that separates 'normal' from 'Low Birth Weight' (LBW). This value is internationally recognized as 2.5 kg.
Evaluate each option against this standard classification.
Option A (2.5 kg) matches the lower limit of the normal range.
Options B (2 kg) and C (1.5 kg) fall into the LBW and VLBW categories, respectively.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) pp. 30-32, 28-30

E6 Text Book Of Pediatric Nursing 3rd Panchali Pal — Part 1 (pp 36-238 of 713) p. 177-179

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

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