Ohio Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

What does "significant unplanned or undesired weight change" mean?

1. 2% weight gain or loss over a one month period

2. 5% weight gain or loss over a one month period, 7.5% weight gain or loss over a three month period, or a 10% or more weight gain or loss over a six month period

3. 10% weight gain or loss over a one month period

4. 15% weight gain or loss over a three month period

The correct answer is: 5% weight gain or loss over a one month period, 7.5% weight gain or loss over a three month period, or a 10% or more weight gain or loss over a six month period

The term "significant unplanned or undesired weight change" refers to changes in a person's weight that can be indicative of potential health issues and require clinical attention. The correct definition includes specific thresholds over different periods: a 5% weight gain or loss over one month, a 7.5% change over three months, or a 10% or more change over six months. These thresholds are important because they help identify individuals who may be experiencing health challenges related to nutrition, metabolism, or underlying illnesses. These specific percentages are clinically relevant as they suggest a considerable change that could affect a resident's health outcomes, quality of life, or necessitate a change in care plans. In long-term care settings, monitoring such weight variations is crucial for timely interventions. In contrast, the other options present either lower percentages over shorter timeframes, which may not capture the seriousness of weight changes, or much higher percentages that would not typically be considered significant within the established medical guidelines for monitoring weight changes in care facilities.