Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Prep Guide

A patient is considered at risk for malnutrition when various factors indicate a potential lack of adequate nutrient intake. Significant weight loss, chronic illness, and poor dietary habits are all indicators that can lead to a state of malnutrition.

Significant weight loss typically signifies a loss of muscle mass and fat stores, which can result from inadequate nutrient intake or increased energy expenditure due to illness. Chronic illnesses often come with metabolic demands that can deplete nutritional resources or make it more difficult for patients to maintain a balanced diet. Poor dietary habits can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, further increasing the risk of malnutrition.

In contrast, recent weight gain does not automatically indicate an increased risk for malnutrition. It could imply that a patient is consuming enough calories, or potentially more than needed, which may not reflect nutritional quality. Hence, weight gain alone does not signify the risk for malnutrition and can be seen as a neutral or positive sign, depending on the context.