What is a component of nutrition-focused physical examination (NFPE) used to assess malnutrition?

• A. Observing muscle wasting, subcutaneous fat loss, edema, or hair/skin changes.
• B. Edema assessment and muscle wasting.
• C. Measuring knee flexibility.
• D. Assessing mood.

Answer: (A)

NFPE assesses malnutrition by looking for physical signs in muscle mass, fat stores, fluid status, and skin/hair changes. Observing muscle wasting shows loss of lean body mass from inadequate protein or illness; subcutaneous fat loss indicates depleted energy reserves; edema reveals altered fluid distribution and protein status; hair and skin changes reflect nutritional deficiencies and overall adequacy. Together, these signs provide a direct bedside method to identify malnutrition. Knee flexibility isn’t a marker of nutritional status, and mood assessment, while important for overall health, isn’t part of the NFPE signs used to diagnose malnutrition.