The nurse has collected data on clients who have visited a health fair in the mall. Which of the following clients is most in need of a detailed nutritional assessment?

Question

1. A 21-year-old female who has just begun college and has lost 5 pounds in the first semester
2. A 2 year old whose mother stated that he seems to be growing faster than she can buy him clothes
3. A 50-year-old male who reported that he lost 10 pounds in 6 weeks without even trying
4. A 35-year-old female who has gained 15 pounds in a year after the birth of her first child

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: A 21-year-old female who has just begun college and has lost 5 pounds in the first semester. The female that just began college has had activity and nutrition changes.
Rationale 2: A 2 year old whose mother stated that he seems to be growing faster than she can buy him clothes. Toddlers experience growth spurts that are normal physiological processes.
Rationale 3: A 50-year-old male who reported that he lost 10 pounds in 6 weeks without even trying. Unintentional weight loss is considered clinically significant and requires further assessment. The cause is not readily apparent and may be due to a disease process.
Rationale 4: A 35-year-old female who has gained 15 pounds in a year after the birth of her first child. In the first year after the birth of a child a woman may increase body weight as a result of diet, activity, and hormonal changes.