Question

To calculate the estimated calorie needs of a patient who is significantly underweight, the dietitian should use:

a. the patient's actual body weight
b. the patient's adjusted body weight
c. the patient's desirable body weight
d. 90% of the patient's desirable weight

Answer 1

The dietitian should use the patient's adjusted body weight to calculate the estimated calorie needs of a significantly underweight patient.

Step-by-step explanation:

The dietitian should use the patient's adjusted body weight to calculate the estimated calorie needs of a significantly underweight patient.

The adjusted body weight takes into account the patient's current weight and their desirable body weight. It may be calculated using the following formula:

Adjusted Body Weight = (Actual Weight - Desirable Weight) x 0.25 + Desirable Weight

Using the adjusted body weight provides a more accurate estimate of calorie needs for underweight patients, as it considers their current weight and the weight they should ideally be.