Body mass index
NCLEX-RN glossary · Psychosocial Integrity
Definition
A mathematical estimate of body fat based on the relationship: Weight (kg) / [Height (m)]^2.
Body mass index in plain English
Used as a screening cue for nutritional disorders and to determine weight-based dosing for specific high-alert medications. A frequent error is using BMI as a singular diagnostic for health without accounting for muscle mass or age-related height loss in the elderly.
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