A nurse measured the circumference of an edematous leg and documented "15.5 inches at mid-calf, left leg" on the client's electronic medical record. For comparison, she measured the right calf and documented "12 inches at mid-calf, right leg." The left calf is what percent larger than the right calf?
A) 20
B) 22
C) 23
D) 25

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is a multiple-step problem. To estimate the difference between the measurements of the left calf compared to the right calf, subtract 12 inches from 15.5 inches, which equals 3.5 inches. To determine the percent, create a fraction by dividing the difference (3.5 inches) by the largest or total number (15.5 inches). Clear the decimal points before final division. Divide: 3.5/15.5 = 7/31. To change a fraction into a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator. Add decimal points in the dividend and quotient as needed: 7/31 = 0.225. Carry out to the hundredths place. To round off a decimal, the final number is dropped. When the final number is 5 or greater, drop that number and increase the adjacent number by 1. Therefore, 0.225 = 0.23. Next, change the decimal to a percent by moving the decimal point two places to the right, then write the percent sign: 0.23 = 23%.

A Nurse Measured the Circumference of an Edematous Leg and Documented