Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam

What type of screening is recommended for a child with an increased BMI?

1. Glucose

2. Cholesterol

3. Iron levels

4. Thyroid function

The correct answer is: Cholesterol

The recommendation for cholesterol screening in children with an increased BMI is based on the association between obesity and the risk of dyslipidemia, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases later in life. An elevated body mass index often indicates excess body fat, which is linked to higher levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and lower levels of HDL cholesterol. Screening for cholesterol helps identify children who may benefit from lifestyle interventions or further assessment to mitigate cardiovascular risk factors. While glucose screening can also be relevant in overweight or obese children due to the risk of insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, the primary recommendation is cholesterol screening. This is especially crucial in the pediatric population, where early intervention can prevent long-term health complications. Iron levels, while important to monitor in various contexts, are not specifically indicated solely on the basis of increased BMI. Similarly, thyroid function testing may be relevant in situations where thyroid dysfunction is suspected, but there is no direct guideline linking it specifically to BMI elevation without additional clinical signs.