To calculate a client's body mass index (BMI), what is the appropriate formula?

The correct formula to calculate a client's body mass index (BMI) is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. This method provides a standardized way to assess body weight relative to height, facilitating the classification of individuals into different weight categories, such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

To derive BMI, the equation utilizes the metric units of weight (kilograms) and height (meters). This ensures that the resulting value is dimensionless and allows for consistent interpretations across various populations and contexts. The squared height component is essential, as it adjusts the weight value to create a more accurate representation of body fatness that accounts for height differences among individuals.

The other options do not accurately represent the BMI calculation. For instance, multiplying weight by height does not provide a meaningful metric related to body composition. Similarly, dividing height by weight squared or squaring height and then dividing by weight leads to incorrect calculations that do not conform to the standard BMI definition. This illustrates the importance of using accurate formulas in nutritional assessments and health evaluations.