A nurse is presenting a workshop on weight management. The nurse explains overweight and obesity are determined by:
Height in centimeters
Body mass index (BMI)
✓
Weight in pounds
Genetics
Correct Answer
Body mass index (BMI)
Overweight and obesity are determined by BMI. The BMI is calculated using height and weight.
Question 2
A nurse performs an initial assessment of a client with a height of 5'9" and a weight of 278 pounds. What BMI does the nurse calculate for this client?
41.1 kg/m2
✓
51.2 kg/m2
31.2 kg/m2
21.1 kg/m2
Correct Answer
41.1 kg/m2
BMI is calculated by dividing the client's weight by their height in inches squared and multiplying by 703: , rounded to 41.1.
Question 3
A nurse is providing education to a group of adults about the differences between overweight and obesity. Which statement by one of the participants demonstrates an accurate understanding of these terms?
"Overweight and obesity are essentially the same, just different terms for having excess body fat."
"Being overweight is a more severe health condition than obesity due to the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases."
"Overweight refers to having a BMI between 25 and 29.9, whereas obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher."
✓
"Obesity is a medical condition, whereas overweight is merely a cosmetic concern."
Correct Answer
"Overweight refers to having a BMI between 25 and 29.9, whereas obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher."
Obesity and overweight are not the same; the distinguishing factor is a person's client's BMI. Overweight, with a BMI of 25–29, may lead to obesity. Obesity has a higher BMI ( 30) and is associated with serious consequences.
Question 4
The clinic nurse is teaching a 25-year-old female client about her new prescription for benzphetamine. What statement by the client indicates understanding?
"I will be hungry on this medication."
"This medication is best taken right before bed."
"It is best to use a method of birth control because the medication can be harmful to a fetus."
✓
"This medication will make me very sleepy."
Correct Answer
"It is best to use a method of birth control because the medication can be harmful to a fetus."
Benzphetamine should not be given to clients who are pregnant; clients of childbearing age should be counseled to practice strict birth control methods to avoid pregnancy while on the medication.
Question 5
A provider at a weight-loss clinic is considering starting phentermine for a 35-year-old client. The nurse is performing a medication reconciliation for the client. Which medication would the nurse have concerns about?
Acetaminophen
Zinc
Omeprazole
Phenelzine
✓
Correct Answer
Phenelzine
Concurrent use of phenelzine, an MAOI, is contraindicated with phentermine. MAOIs should not be used 14 days before or after phenelzine use.
Question 6
While counseling a client on different anorexiants, the nurse advises them that office visits may be required every 14 days to assess progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the weight-loss medication. The nurse is referring to which medication?
Benzphetamine
Phendimetrazine
Phentermine
Phentermine/topiramate
✓
Correct Answer
Phentermine/topiramate
The dosage of phentermine/topiramate is usually readjusted every 14 days based on effectiveness.
Question 7
The nurse is aware that which lipase inhibitor is available by prescription from a provider and also over the counter at a lower dose?
Orlistat
✓
Phentermine
Bupropion naltrexone
Benzphetamine
Correct Answer
Orlistat
The drug orlistat is available by prescription under the brand name Xenical or OTC under the brand name Alli.
Question 8
The nurse is providing client education on the drug orlistat. The nurse explains common adverse effects of orlistat that subside within 4 weeks are:
Diarrhea and fatty stool (steatorrhea)
✓
Palpitations (tachycardia)
Headache and dizziness
Itchiness and high blood pressure
Correct Answer
Diarrhea and fatty stool (steatorrhea)
Orlistat is not systemically absorbed and does not affect the cardiovascular and neurological systems. Common side effects are specific to the GI system—abdominal discomfort, flatus, nausea, oily rectal discharge, fecal urgency, fatty stool, and diarrhea.
Question 9
The nurse is aware that a combination medication of an antidepressant and an opioid antagonist may be prescribed for weight loss. Which medication is it?
Phenelzine and naloxone
Bupropion and naltrexone
✓
Chromium picolinate and naltrexone
Phentermine and topiramate
Correct Answer
Bupropion and naltrexone
Bupropion is an antidepressant, and naltrexone is an opioid antagonist; when combined, they have been effective in weight management.
Question 10
A nurse is providing education to a client who has been prescribed orlistat (Alli) for weight loss. The client asks the nurse how this medication works to help with weight loss. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
"This medication increases your metabolism, helping you burn more calories."
"Orlistat blocks the absorption of dietary fat, reducing calorie intake from fat and promoting weight loss."
✓
"It works by reducing water retention in the body, leading to weight loss."
"Orlistat suppresses appetite, making you feel less hungry and eat fewer calories."
Correct Answer
"Orlistat blocks the absorption of dietary fat, reducing calorie intake from fat and promoting weight loss."
Orlistat works by inhibiting the action of pancreatic lipase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down dietary fat in the small intestine. By blocking fat absorption, it reduces the number of calories absorbed from dietary fat, thus promoting weight loss.