VATI Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Exam

Body mass index (BMI) serves as a valuable indicator of nutritional status because it provides a quick assessment of body fat based on a person's weight in relation to their height. A healthy BMI range typically suggests that an individual's nutritional intake is adequate for maintaining overall health, whereas an excessively low or high BMI can indicate malnutrition or obesity, respectively. Monitoring BMI allows healthcare providers to identify individuals who may benefit from nutritional intervention or guidance.

In the context of assessing nutritional status, it is important to consider that the other options do not provide as direct insights into nutrition. Creatinine levels are primarily indicative of kidney function, while white blood cell count is more reflective of immune response and infection rather than nutrition. Blood glucose levels relate to carbohydrate metabolism and can be influenced by various factors beyond nutritional intake. Thus, BMI stands out as a relevant and direct measure of an individual's nutritional health.