Question

A nurse explains to an obese client that the rapid weight loss during the first week after initiating a diet is because of fluid loss. The weight of extracellular body fluid is approximately 20% of the total body weight of an average individual. Which component of the extracellular fluid contributes the greatest proportion to this amount?

a) Intravascular fluid
b) Interstitial fluid
c) Lymphatic fluid
d) Cerebrospinal fluid

Answer 1

The rapid weight loss during the first week of a diet is due to fluid loss, with the greatest contribution coming from intravascular fluid (blood plasma).

Step-by-step explanation:

The component of the extracellular fluid that contributes the greatest proportion to the rapid weight loss during the first week of a diet is Intravascular fluid, also known as blood plasma.

Extracellular fluid accounts for about 20% of the body weight, with 15% in interstitial fluid and 5% in blood plasma.

During the first week of a diet, as the body adjusts to reduced calorie intake, it uses up stored glycogen, which is stored with water. This leads to fluid loss and a decrease in weight. However, it's important to note that this initial weight loss is mostly water weight and not fat loss.