When the BMI of an adult is below 18 kg/m2 , the condition is termed as

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Explanation

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on an individual's weight and height.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a BMI of less than 18.5 kg/m² is classified as underweight.
The question specifies a BMI below 18 kg/m², which falls within the underweight category.

Option B: This classification is for a BMI that is significantly higher than the value given in the question.
Option C: This classification is for a much higher BMI, indicating an excess accumulation of body fat.
Option D: This term is synonymous with 'Overweight' and applies to a BMI range of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m².

Visual 1: Chart - A color-coded chart illustrating the different BMI categories (Underweight, Normal Weight, Overweight, Obese) with their corresponding numerical ranges. This provides a quick visual reference for the classifications.

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 in adults as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Calculating and interpreting BMI is a fundamental nursing assessment to screen for potential health risks associated with abnormal body weight, such as malnutrition or metabolic syndrome.
An underweight classification can indicate malnutrition, an eating disorder, or an underlying disease, prompting the nurse to perform a more detailed nutritional assessment and collaborate with a dietitian.
What if? If the patient's BMI was 26 kg/m², the condition would be classified as 'Overweight' (or 'Pre-obese'), and the nursing focus would shift to health education about diet, exercise, and preventing progression to obesity.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests knowledge of a standard clinical classification system.
First, identify the key value in the question: BMI below 18 kg/m².
Recall the standard BMI categories for adults as defined by the WHO.
Compare the given value (below 18) to the threshold for each category.
The category for a BMI below 18.5 is 'Underweight'. Therefore, a BMI below 18 fits this classification.
Select the option that correctly names this category.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QEqStCXTL85t4FQ7fAvIog

Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

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