Approximately 50 percent of hospitalized persons and 40 percent of nursing facility residents over 65 are malnourished. Forty-four percent of persons receiving home health services are malnourished. One mitigating factor in the high number of malnourished facility residents is the transfer of malnourished patients from the hospital setting. Diagnosing malnutrition in elderly long term care residents is difficult. Recording food intake is imprecise at best.
Weight loss remains a measure of nutritional status.
This form, included in this article, could be used to screen upon admission. The most important tool in assessing nutritional status remains clinical judgment. Pablos-Mendez, Ariel, et al. Global Surveillance for Antituberculosis Drug Resistance, 1994-1997. Resistance has been built up because of inadequate treatment, and erratic drug supply, or an inability or unwillingness on the part of the patient to follow the treatment regimen.