If a pregnant woman's BMI is 32, then the woman is diagnosed to be:

Appeared in: UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022(shift-1st)

Explanation

According to World Health Organization (WHO) classifications, a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30.0 kg/m² or greater is categorized as obese.
The patient's BMI of 32 kg/m² clearly falls within the range for Obese Class I (30.00-34.99 kg/m²).
This classification is critical for determining appropriate weight gain recommendations and monitoring for pregnancy-related complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Option A: This is not a standard medical classification for BMI. The established categories are underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese.
Option C: A normal BMI range is defined as 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m². A BMI of 32 is significantly above this range.
Option D: The overweight category includes a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m². Since the patient's BMI is 32, she has surpassed the overweight category.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Body Mass Index (BMI) classification and recommended weight gain during pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing pre-pregnancy or early-pregnancy BMI is a crucial nursing action to guide nutritional counseling and establish a target for total weight gain.
Obesity during pregnancy increases the risk of serious complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, macrosomia (large baby), and the need for a cesarean delivery.
Nurses must educate obese pregnant patients on the recommended lower weight gain (11-20 lbs or 5-9 kg) to mitigate these risks.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key clinical value provided in the question: BMI = 32.
Next, recall the standard medical classifications for Body Mass Index (BMI) as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Compare the given BMI of 32 to the standard ranges: Underweight (less than 18.5), Normal (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25.0-29.9), and Obese (30.0 and above).
Determine which category the value of 32 falls into.
Select the option that correctly matches this classification.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Body Mass Index (BMI) classification and recommended weight gain during pregnancy.
Stem keywords: pregnant woman, BMI, 32
Lead-in keywords: diagnosed to be
Clinical cues: BMI of 32 indicates obesity, which has significant implications for pregnancy management.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 69-71

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 78-92

Practise the full UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022(shift-1st)

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