What is the body mass index (BMI) of a patient who is 72 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds?

To calculate the body mass index (BMI), the formula used is:

[ \text{BMI} = \frac{\text{weight in pounds} \times 703}{\text{height in inches}^2} ]

For a patient who is 72 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds, the calculation would proceed as follows:

1. Square the height in inches:

[ 72^2 = 5184 ]

2. Multiply the weight in pounds by 703:

[ 200 \times 703 = 140600 ]

3. Divide that product by the squared height:

[ \text{BMI} = \frac{140600}{5184} \approx 27.07 ]

When rounded, this result falls between 27 and 28, which corresponds to 27 kg/m² when considering standard BMI categories. This is why the correct answer is accurately identified as 27 kg/m². The BMI value reflects that the patient's weight is categorized within the "overweight" range, indicating that understanding these calculations is crucial for assessing a person's health status related to their weight.