A school nurse is developing an educational program on obesity for 10 overweight

Question

A school nurse is developing an educational program on obesity for 10 overweight eight graders. She plans to actively involve the children in an assessment of their own health and eating habits.

1. How would the nurse have identified the children needing this program? What assessment parameters could she use?

2. How would the nurse compare and contrast the functions and use of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates as an energy source?

3. If as the nurse you needed to plan a weight-loss program for one of the children who has a BMI of 35, how would you proceed?

Explanation / Answer

1. ANS: Childhood obesity has become a major health concern for children of all ages. One out of every three children has been identified as being overweight or obese.

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure used to determine childhood overweight and obesity. The BMI calculation is based on your height in inches and weight in pounds. Take child weight in pounds and multiply it by 703. Then divide that number by child height in inches, and divide it again by your height in inches. The resulting number places you into child correct weight category.

BMI of 18.5 or below is underweight,

18.5 to 24.9 is a healthy weight,

25 to 29 is overweight

BMI above 30 is obese.

2. ANS: Nutrients are essential for your survival. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are called macronutrients.

A. Carbohydrates for Energy: Carbohydrates are broken down to the simplest form as glucose. It is the body main source for energy. Carbohydrates are important for your brain, nervous system, kidneys and muscles. Carbohydrates can provide 4 calories per gram.

B. Protein for Growth: Protein builds new cells and fixes damaged ones in all parts of your body. During childhood proteins can play a very important role in growth. Proteins can provide 4 calories per gram.

c. Fats for Health: Fats are broken down into their simplest form of fatty acids. Fat is used for cell membranes, energy, absorbing fat soluble vitamins, support for your internal organs and to provide taste and texture to food. Fats can provide 9 calories per gram.

3. ANS: A BMI of 35 places child into the obese category, which places you at risk for many health problems. As an obese person more likely to suffer from diabetes, heart attack, heart disease, sleep apnea, depression and stroke. A majority percent of the American population have a BMI that is in the overweight or obese weight ranges, according to the Weight-control Information Network.

Considerations:

If BMI is in the unhealthy range, consider making lifestyle changes. Choosing to eat a healthy diet filled with lean meats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products and nuts will help the child lose weight. Monitoring the child caloric intake by eating smaller-portion sizes will also help to lower child BMI. Exercise five days a week for 30 minutes each day to stay healthy and reach a better BMI.

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