Which factor increases risk of malnutrition during hospital stays?

• A. NPO
• B. Delays in addressing nutrition needs
• C. Reduced food intake
• D. All of the above

Answer: (A)

When a patient is NPO, they receive no oral nutrition at all, which directly creates a deficit in calories, protein, and other nutrients. In the hospital, this absence can quickly lead to malnutrition unless nutrition support—such as enteral or parenteral feeding—is started promptly. Illness and inflammation raise nutritional needs and often blunt appetite, so the gap created by NPO status is particularly impactful for older adults who have less reserve. While delays in addressing nutrition needs and reduced intake contribute to risk, the act of withholding all oral intake is the primary mechanism driving malnutrition during a hospital stay, making NPO the best answer.