Which measurement is used to assess diminished functional status in malnutrition?

• A. Body temperature
• B. Hand-grip test
• C. Visual acuity
• D. Peripheral pulse rate

Answer: (B)

Hand-grip strength directly reflects muscle function, which is a primary way malnutrition manifests as diminished functional status. When energy and protein intake are inadequate, lean mass and muscle strength decline, and grip strength often drops as an early and sensitive indicator of this functional deterioration. Because it provides a practical readout of a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, it’s closely linked to frailty, hospitalization risk, and overall prognosis in older adults. The test is quick, noninvasive, and inexpensive, making it a preferred tool to monitor functional impact of malnutrition over time.

The other measurements don’t capture functional capacity related to nutrition. Body temperature tells you about thermoregulation or infection, visual acuity about vision, and peripheral pulse rate about cardiovascular status. While important in different contexts, they don’t reflect the loss of muscle function and activity capability that malnutrition-induced functional decline entails.