GERIATRIC NUTRITION QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS
Criteria for the diagnosis of Malnutrition
-must be 2 or more of the following criteria - ANSWER-insufficient energy intake
-weight loss
-loss of muscle mass
-loss of subcutaneous fat
-localized or generalized fluid accumulation
-diminished functional status as measured by handgrip strength
What is the best way to screen geriatric patients for nutritional adequacy?
Weight loss is considered to be clinically significant with what 3 following parameters?
4 involuntary weight loss factors - ANSWER-inadequate dietary intake
-appetite loss
-disuse or muscle atrophy
-inflammatory effects of disease
What are some inadequate weight loss causes
-Social
-Physiological
-Medical - ANSWER-poverty, isolation
-depression, dementia
-malignancy, dysphagia, chewing difficulties
-decrease in appetite
-complex metabolic syndrome associated with underlying issues and characterized by
the loss of muscle with or without loss of fat mass
In a long term care setting a clinically significant weight loss episode is defined by the
long term care Minimum Data Set of a loss of ____% of usual body weight in 30 days or
_____% in 6 months - ANSWERserial measurements of body weight
->2%
->5%
->10% in 6 months
-5%
-10%
ANSWERS
Criteria for the diagnosis of Malnutrition
-must be 2 or more of the following criteria - ANSWER-insufficient energy intake
-weight loss
-loss of muscle mass
-loss of subcutaneous fat
-localized or generalized fluid accumulation
-diminished functional status as measured by handgrip strength
What is the best way to screen geriatric patients for nutritional adequacy?
Weight loss is considered to be clinically significant with what 3 following parameters?
4 involuntary weight loss factors - ANSWER-inadequate dietary intake
-appetite loss
-disuse or muscle atrophy
-inflammatory effects of disease
What are some inadequate weight loss causes
-Social
-Physiological
-Medical - ANSWER-poverty, isolation
-depression, dementia
-malignancy, dysphagia, chewing difficulties
-decrease in appetite
-complex metabolic syndrome associated with underlying issues and characterized by
the loss of muscle with or without loss of fat mass
In a long term care setting a clinically significant weight loss episode is defined by the
long term care Minimum Data Set of a loss of ____% of usual body weight in 30 days or
_____% in 6 months - ANSWERserial measurements of body weight
->2%
->5%
->10% in 6 months
-5%
-10%
