From the following, choose the incorrect statement about BMR:

Appeared in: HP CHO -9 October 2022

Explanation

The statement that BMR increases in a warm climate is factually incorrect.
To maintain thermal homeostasis, the body reduces its metabolic rate in warm climates to decrease internal heat production.
Conversely, in cold climates, the BMR increases to generate more heat and maintain core body temperature.
This physiological adaptation is a key part of thermoregulation.

Option A: This statement is correct. BMR is directly related to body surface area. Larger individuals have a higher BMR to compensate for greater heat loss across a larger surface.
Option B: This statement is correct. BMR is highest during periods of rapid growth (infancy/childhood) and gradually decreases with age, making the relationship inversely proportional.
Option D: This statement is correct. Due to generally greater muscle mass and the influence of testosterone, males have a higher BMR than age- and weight-matched females.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Factors affecting Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding BMR is crucial for nurses when creating nutritional plans and calculating caloric needs for patients, especially for weight management.
A patient's BMR is a key factor in determining their total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), which guides dietary recommendations for weight loss, gain, or maintenance.
Abnormally high or low BMR can be an indicator of an underlying medical condition, such as thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism increases BMR, hypothyroidism decreases it).

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the question is asking for the INCORRECT statement about Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). This means three of the options are true, and one is false.
Recall the definition of BMR: the energy expended by the body at rest to maintain vital functions.
Evaluate each option based on physiological principles:
Option A: Think about body size and heat loss. Does a larger person need more or less energy at rest? (More, so this is likely true).
Option B: Think about growth and aging. When is metabolic activity highest? (During growth, so it decreases with age. This is likely true).
Option C: Think about thermoregulation. How does the body react to heat? Does it need to produce more heat or less? (Less, so an increase in BMR would be counterproductive. This is likely false).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full HP CHO -9 October 2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.