Nurses use which measurement as the most highly correlated with risk of morbidity and mortality?
A) Waist-to-hip ratio
B) Triceps skinfold measure
C) Desirable body weight
D) Body mass index (BMI)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The BMI considers both weight and height in the calculation. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advocates the BMI assessment as reliable and valid for identifying adults at risk of morbidity and mortality because of being overweight or obese. For this reason, calculating BMI is recommended for all individuals on a periodic basis. The waist-to-hip ratio is an indication of the risk of unhealthy fat distribution. A ratio that exceeds the desired ratio is indicative of upper body obesity. This increases the risk of developing health problems related to obesity (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea). Triceps skinfold measurement provides an estimate of total body fat, which is only one measure of risk for obesity, and not, by itself, the most reliable and valid measurement to determine risk. Calculating desirable body weight and comparing it to actual body weight does not consider height in the assessment of obesity.

Nurses Use Which Measurement as the Most Highly Correlated with Risk