A condition caused by inadequate intake or inadequate digestion of nutrients. It may result from eating an inadequate or unbalanced diet, digestive problems, absorption problems, or other medical conditions. Protein malnutrition is usually caused by inadequate nutrient intake in conjunction with the stress response. Common causes include chronic diarrhea, renal dysfunction, infection, hemorrhage, trauma, burns, and critical illness.

In most cases malnutrition and dehydration are completely preventable. Nursing homes are required to assess patients for risk of malnutrition and dehydration and to develop a comprehensive care plan to prevent malnutrition and dehydration. The care plan should address the risk of malnutrition and dehydration and the steps that will be taken by the nursing home to prevent malnutrition and dehydration. See similar questions...

Nursing homes are required under federal regulations to regularly monitor their residents' weight. If a patient is losing weight both the physician and dietician should be notified. The physician will most likely order lab results to assess the patient's nutritional status. See similar questions...

No. If a patient is overweight, the patient may need to be on a weight reduction diet. Care needs to be taken to ensure that the patient still receives sufficient vitamins and nutrients. Certain medical conditions like cancer and AIDS can also contribute to weight loss. See similar questions...

In many emergencies, children under 5 are the most vulnerable to food shortage and manifest the effects of food shortages earlier than others. For this reason, weight and height are measured to determine the overall nutritional status of a population. Children whose weight to height ratio falls below certain standard cut-off points are considered acutely malnourished. The prevalence of acute malnutrition is the proportion of all children measured to be malnourished. See similar questions...

Among the many thousands who have had tissue implant injections, less than 1% of patients have reported adverse reactions. The precautions we take, including eliciting a patient history and testing for allergy, reduce the likelihood of side effects. See similar questions...