Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Adult Health and Nutritional Assessment Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Adult Health and Nutritional Assessment related questions and content

The segment Kreutzer of the population who has a BMI lower than 24 has been found to be at increased risk for poor nutritional status and its resultant problems. What else is a low BMI associated with in the community-dwelling elderly population?

  • A. High risk of diabetes
  • B. Increased incidence of falls
  • C. Higher mortality rate
  • D. Low risk of chronic disease.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: People who have a BMI lower than 24 (or who are 80% or less of their desirable body weight for height) are at increased risk for problems associated with poor nutritional status. In addition, a low BMI is associated with a higher mortality rate among hospitalized patients and community-dwelling elderly. Low BMI is not directly linked to an increased risk for falls or diabetes. Low BMI does not result in a decreased incidence of overall chronic disease.