Fundamentals of Nursing Q 356

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The nurse calculates a body mass index (BMI) of 18 for a young adult woman who comes to the physician’s office for a college physical. This patient is considered:

  

     A. Obese

     B. Overweight

     C. Average

     D. Underweight

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Underweight

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For adults, BMI should range between 20 and 25. Body mass index (BMI) is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. BMI is an inexpensive and easy screening method for the weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

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Option A: BMI greater than 30 is considered obese For adults 20 years old and older, BMI is interpreted using standard weight status categories. These categories are the same for men and women of all body types and ages.

Option B: BMI 25 to 29.9 is overweight. The prevalence of adult BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (obese status) has greatly increased since the 1970s. Recently, however, this trend has leveled off, except for older women. Obesity has continued to increase in adult women who are 60 years and older.

Option C: BMI less than 20 is considered underweight. BMI can be a screening tool, but it does not diagnose the body fatness or health of an individual. To determine if BMI is a health risk, a healthcare provider performs further assessments. Such assessments include skinfold thickness measurements, evaluations of diet, physical activity, and family history.

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