Clinical Assessment Methods Flashcards

An apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 34 events per hour on polysomnography indicates what OSA severity?

Answer: Severe

AHI ≥30 events per hour is classified as severe obstructive sleep apnea; 15-29 is moderate and 5-14 is mild.

Which questionnaire is commonly used to screen for binge eating severity in bariatric candidates?

Answer: Binge Eating Scale (BES)

The 16-item Binge Eating Scale is widely used in bariatric programs to screen for binge eating behaviors.

Why is BMI alone a limited assessment tool for an individual patient?

Answer: It does not distinguish fat mass from lean mass or show fat distribution

BMI uses only height and weight, so it misclassifies muscular individuals and ignores visceral fat distribution.

Which simple anthropometric measure is associated with OSA risk and is included in the STOP-BANG questionnaire?

Answer: Neck circumference greater than 40 cm (about 16 inches)

STOP-BANG scores a point for neck circumference >40 cm, reflecting upper airway fat deposition.

In the transtheoretical model, a patient who says they plan to start changing their eating habits within the next 30 days and has taken small steps is in which stage?

Answer: Preparation

Preparation describes intent to act within about 30 days with some initial steps taken, preceding the action stage.

Which serum marker has a short half-life of about 2-3 days and has historically been used to monitor acute changes in protein status, though it is affected by inflammation?

Answer: Prealbumin (transthyretin)

Prealbumin has a half-life of about 2-3 days versus about 20 days for albumin, but both are negative acute-phase reactants.

Which Epworth Sleepiness Scale score suggests excessive daytime sleepiness warranting further evaluation?

Answer: Greater than 10

An ESS score above 10 (out of 24) indicates excessive daytime sleepiness.