The school nurse is discussing dietary concerns with student ...

[khang]

The school nurse is discussing dietary concerns with student members of the track team. Which student statements indicate the need for further instruction?
 
  Select all that apply.
  1. There are no differences in the percentage of body fat needed by girls and boys during the teen years.
  2. The lower I can get my body fat percentage, the better.
  3. The body fat percentage needed by females is higher than that of males.
  4. There are no absolute standards for body fat percentages needed by men and women.
  5. Persons having body fat percentages greater than 20 are at an increased risk for illness.

Question 2

An older adult client is in the healthcare provider's office for a routine physical exam.
 
  The client asks for an explanation of why skinfold measurements are not done as part of her assessment anymore. Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
  1. Those tests are no longer recommended to assess BMI.
  2. As a person ages, the test is not as accurate.
  3. The BMI (body mass index) test is easier to use.
  4. A detailed dietary history will give us the information that we need.

[momtoalll]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 5
During the teen years differing percentages of body fat are needed by girls and boys; with females requiring a higher percentage of body fat. A range of 12 to 20 body fat in men and 20 to 30 in women has been suggested for health. The absolute minimum levels of body fat are still being studied; however, experts do believe that there are minimum body fat percentages. Research aimed at development of future standards and references for body fat percentage will address the relationship between BMI and body fat percentage and allow the nurse a clearer assessment of body composition traits associated with health risks. Age-specific recommendations are also needed. Standards of body fat percentage that are associated with health or morbidity and mortality have not been established. Many sources agree that a minimum essential body fat percentage exists.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2

The subcutaneous fat distribution and total body fat composition change as an adult ages. The reference values for older adults and suggested locations of skinfold measurements require further investigation and data collection to be accurate. Skinfold measurements are not recommended to provide BMI information. They are intended to assess subcutaneous fat distribution. The reference values are still used in adults, but variations such as race, gender, and fitness level need to be considered. The BMI is easier to use, but does not give as detailed data about actual body fat and muscle mass. The ease of the test is not the basis for the changes in assessment being reported by the client. A diet history is an important part of a nutritional assessment, but does not give body composition values.

[khang]

Excellent

[yeungji]

TYSM