Mental Health Technician Certification (AMCA) Practice Test

Children should undergo further evaluation when their weight is above what percentage of their height?

1. 10%

2. 15%

3. 20%

4. 25%

The correct answer is: 20%

When assessing children's weight in relation to their height, a crucial guideline is the determination of overweight status, which typically comes into play when their weight exceeds 20% above what would be expected for their height. This standard helps to identify children who may be at risk for obesity-related health issues, as excessive weight can lead to various physical and psychological problems. At this threshold of 20%, further evaluation is warranted to assess possible underlying conditions, dietary choices, or lifestyle factors that could contribute to excess weight. This early intervention can be essential for promoting healthy growth and preventing future health complications. The other percentages — 10%, 15%, and 25% — do not represent the commonly used standards for identifying when a child should be evaluated further. Ten percent is too low to indicate a significant risk, while 15% may just begin to show concern in some cases. Twenty-five percent would indicate a more extreme situation and may not align with the standard screening protocols typically employed in pediatric healthcare. Therefore, the correct percentage indicating when children should be evaluated is 20%.