A client is receiving orlistat as part of a weight management program. Which ongoing assessment should be included in the plan of care to determine the effectiveness of the medication?
A.
Depression screening.
B.
Body mass index.
C.
Daily calorie count.
D.
Serum protein levels.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Body mass index (BMI).
Explanation:
Orlistat is a medication used to aid weight loss by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats in the intestines. It works by blocking the enzyme lipase, which is necessary for the breakdown of fat in the diet. When lipase is blocked, fat from the diet is excreted undigested, leading to a reduction in overall caloric intake and, consequently, weight loss. Orlistat is typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes a low-fat diet, exercise, and behavioral modification.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a critical parameter in assessing the effectiveness of orlistat because it provides a quantifiable measure of body fat based on an individual’s weight relative to their height. BMI is widely used to classify individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. By monitoring BMI over time, healthcare providers can objectively determine whether a client is losing weight and moving toward a healthier weight category.
Regular assessment of BMI allows for the evaluation of the long-term effectiveness of orlistat in helping clients achieve weight loss goals. A consistent decrease in BMI over time would indicate that the medication, along with the accompanying lifestyle changes, is effective. Conversely, if there is no change or an increase in BMI, this could suggest that the client is not adhering to the prescribed regimen or that the medication may not be as effective as anticipated, warranting a reassessment of the treatment plan.
Other options such as depression screening (A), daily calorie count (C), and serum protein levels (D) are important in managing overall health but do not directly measure the effectiveness of orlistat in promoting weight loss. While depression screening is essential for overall mental health, it does not directly assess the impact of orlistat. Daily calorie counts could be useful for dietary monitoring but are not as directly indicative of the medication’s effectiveness as BMI. Serum protein levels could be monitored to ensure nutritional adequacy but are not specific indicators of weight loss progress.
Therefore, monitoring BMI is the most appropriate ongoing assessment to determine the effectiveness of orlistat in a weight management program.