Which group is considered high-risk for malnutrition?

• A. College students living on campus
• B. Athletes in training
• C. People with no health issues
• D. Hospitalized elderly

Answer: (D)

High risk for malnutrition arises when the body's needs are increased or ongoing intake and absorption are compromised. Hospitalized older adults fit this pattern because acute illness and the hospital setting often lower food intake while metabolic demands rise. Nausea, pain, fatigue, swallowing difficulties, and medications can reduce appetite; cognitive impairment, functional decline, and multiple chronic conditions further limit the ability to eat, prepare meals, or absorb nutrients. All of these factors together make malnutrition more likely during a hospital stay for an elderly person.

College students living on campus may experience irregular meals or stress, but they generally have access to meals and are not inherently at high risk. Athletes in training have higher energy needs and can be at risk if intake is insufficient or if there are injuries or disordered eating, but this group is not universally at high risk like hospitalized elderly. People with no health issues typically have normal eating and absorption patterns, so their malnutrition risk is low.