Calculating Weight Gain Percentage in Fluid Overload

A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with hypervolemia secondary to chronic kidney disease. The patient presents with pitting edema, hypertension, and laboratory results indicating a serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L. During the assessment, the nurse notes the patient has gained 4 kg since admission. The healthcare provider orders sodium restriction and diuretics to manage the patient's fluid status.

To evaluate the patient’s body fluid status more effectively, the nurse should calculate the percentage of weight gain in relation to the patient's total body weight. Fill in the blank with the correct percentage gain expressed as a fraction and decimal: Weight gain = __________