Diagnostic Procedures & Interpretation Flashcards

An older adult scores 9 on the MNA-Short Form. How should this score be interpreted?

Answer: At risk of malnutrition

MNA-SF scores of 12–14 are normal, 8–11 indicate risk, and 0–7 indicate malnutrition.

Under GLIM criteria, what is required to diagnose malnutrition after positive screening?

Answer: At least one phenotypic and one etiologic criterion

GLIM requires at least one phenotypic criterion and one etiologic criterion.

In the context of acute illness, an older patient's weight loss of 6% in 1 month meets which ASPEN/Academy malnutrition classification?

Answer: Severe malnutrition

Weight loss above 5% in 1 month in acute illness meets the severe malnutrition threshold.

A resident's usual weight is 150 lb and current weight is 138 lb. What is the percent weight change?

Answer: 8%

(150 − 138) ÷ 150 × 100 = 8% weight loss.

Which federally required assessment tool in U.S. nursing homes includes a section documenting swallowing and nutritional status?

Answer: Minimum Data Set (MDS)

The MDS Section K records swallowing problems, weight changes, and nutritional approaches for long-term care residents.

A SARC-F score of 5 in a community-dwelling older adult suggests:

Answer: Possible sarcopenia warranting further assessment

A SARC-F score of 4 or higher is a positive screen that should lead to strength and muscle mass testing.

A hospitalized older adult has albumin of 2.8 g/dL and C-reactive protein of 85 mg/L. The best interpretation is:

Answer: Inflammation is likely lowering albumin, limiting its use as a nutrition marker

Albumin is a negative acute-phase protein, so high CRP means low albumin mainly reflects inflammation.