Lecture # 4 Anthropometrics

Question 1

What are two well-validated indicators of malnutrition?

Answer 1

Weight-loss and underweight status

Question 2

Limitations of anthropometric measurements

Answer 2

really sick patients can become malnourished before anthropometric measurements reflect that; edema and fluid changes can alter measurements; extent and rate of change must be assessed; other history must be included

Question 3

Why is height/length an important anthropometric measurement?

Answer 3

Assess appropriate weight in adults (assess malnutrition); Assess appropriate growth in children (malnutrition)

Question 4

What is the most accurate tool one can use to measure the height of patient?

Answer 4

Stadiometer

Question 5

What are some accurate ways one can estimate the height of a patient?

Answer 5

ARK (Arm Span, Recumbent length, and Knee height)

Question 6

Recumbent Length

Answer 6

measuring the length of a patient from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet in a level (supine) position; bed length tends to be greater than standing height by approx. 1 inch

Question 7

Why would a clinician use a knee height measurement?

Answer 7

recumbent length difficult to obtain. not significantly affected by the aging process; can also estimate weight utilizing knee height and arm circumference.

Question 8

How is a knee height measurement performed?

Answer 8

Use left leg; knee and ankle positioned at 90; most accurate when taken in the recumbent postion

Question 9

Inch to centimeter

Answer 9

1 inch = 2.54 cm

Question 10

What are the ideal methods for measuring frame size?

Answer 10

Wrist circumferences and elbow breadth

Question 11

Wrist circumference formula

Answer 11

r = height (cm)/wrist circumference (cm)

Question 12

Standard r values small (w/m)

Answer 12

r > 10.9 ; r > 10.4

Question 13

standard r value medium (w/m)

Answer 13

r = 10.9-9.9 ; r = 10.4-9.6

Question 14

Standard r value large (w/m)

Answer 14

r

Question 15

How are frame sizes used in clinical practice?

Answer 15

They are used in research if the research needs such data, or it is used in the clinical setting if it is apparent the patient has an odd frame.

Question 16

Hamwi method

Answer 16

Method used to determine the DBW (Desirable body weight) for a patient at a specific height

Question 17

Hamwi method equation (Men)

Answer 17

106 lbs for 5ft and 6 lbs per inch over 5ft and minus 6 lbs per inch under 5ft

Question 18

Hamwi method equation (women)

Answer 18

100 lbs for 5ft plus or minus 5 lbs for an inch over or under respectfully.

Question 19

Large/small frame accommodation for Hamwi method

Answer 19

add or subtract 10%

Question 20

BMI calculation

Answer 20

Weight (kg)/Height (m) squared or short-cut weight (lbs) X 703 /height in inches

Question 21

What are the two biggest predictors of malnutrition?

Answer 21

weight loss and underweight status

Question 22

What BMI value for those over the age of 65 indicate a nutritional risk?

Answer 22

BMI

Question 23

BMI for 2-20 year olds

Answer 23

1) Use CDC growth charts 2) age and gender specific 3) used for screening and not diagnosis of underweight or overweight.