Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for malnutrition in long-term care?

• A. Adequate staffing
• B. Dependence for eating
• C. Depression
• D. Impaired mobility

Answer: (A)

Ensuring adequate staffing helps prevent malnutrition in long-term care. When there are enough staff, meals can be served on time, residents who need help can be assisted with eating, and intake can be monitored to catch drops in calories or weight early. That support lowers the risk of malnutrition, so this factor is not a risk factor itself. In contrast, dependence for eating means the person relies on others for feeding, which can lead to missed or insufficient meals if assistance isn’t timely or consistent. Depression can reduce appetite and interest in meals, and impair social eating cues, both of which lower intake. Impaired mobility can make it hard to reach meals, transfer to the dining area, or feed oneself, further reducing intake. So the correct choice is the one that does not increase malnutrition risk—adequate staffing—while the other factors are known contributors.