Nutrition Care for Individuals and GroupsDifficulty 3/5
Which assessment finding most directly supports a diagnosis of malnutrition rather than simple underweight?
- AA self-reported reduction in appetite over the preceding two weeks
- BA body mass index below 18.5 recorded at a single clinic visit
- CLoss of subcutaneous fat and muscle wasting with inadequate intake over time
- DA serum albumin of 2.8 g/dL measured during an acute inflammatory illness
Show answer and rationale
Correct: C. Malnutrition is diagnosed from a cluster of criteria including insufficient intake, weight loss, loss of subcutaneous fat, muscle wasting, fluid accumulation and reduced grip strength — not from a single number.
- B — A low BMI alone does not establish malnutrition.
- D — Albumin falls with inflammation and is not a malnutrition marker.
- A — Reported appetite is supportive context, not a diagnostic criterion.