167k views
5 votes
When Mr. Smith presented to the outpatient clinic, he had lost 5lb of body weight. How much fluid loss in L does that represent?

2.3 L

User Kamcknig
by
7.4k points

2 Answers

6 votes

Final answer:

When Mr. Smith lost 5 pounds of body weight, it represents a fluid loss of approximately 2.25 liters.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the amount of fluid loss in liters, we need to convert the weight loss from pounds to liters.

One pound is roughly equivalent to 0.45 kilograms, and one liter of water is equal to 1 kilogram.

Therefore, to convert 5 pounds to liters, we multiply 5 by 0.45, which gives us 2.25 liters of fluid loss.

So, when Mr. Smith lost 5 pounds of body weight, it represents a fluid loss of approximately 2.25 liters.

User Redzwan Latif
by
8.6k points
0 votes

Final answer:

Mr. Smith's 5lb weight loss represents a fluid loss of approximately 2.3 liters, assuming the weight loss is primarily due to water and using the conversion factor where 1 liter of water weighs about 2.2 pounds.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Mr. Smith lost 5lb of body weight, he experienced a fluid loss, which can be calculated in liters. Weight loss can occur due to various factors, such as changes in fat mass, muscle mass, or water loss. Given that water makes up approximately 50-70% of adult body weight and considering that water loss through bodily functions is a common cause of rapid weight change, we can estimate the fluid loss. The regulation of daily water input and output is a balance the body maintains, with an average water output of 2.5 liters per day from various sources. If we assume that the 5lb weight loss is primarily due to water loss, we can convert this to liters knowing that approximately 1 liter of water weighs about 2.2 pounds.

Using this conversion factor:

  • 5lb ÷ 2.2lb/L = approximately 2.27 liters of fluid loss.

Therefore, Mr. Smith’s 5lb weight loss represents a fluid loss of approximately 2.3 liters.

User Eadaoin
by
7.4k points