Which of the following is NOT one of the six characteristics used to identify malnutrition?

• A. Insufficient energy intake
• B. Weight loss
• C. Increased hand-grip strength
• D. Loss of subcutaneous fat

Answer: (C)

The concept tested is which indicators are used to identify malnutrition. The recognized six characteristics are insufficient energy intake, unintended weight loss, loss of muscle mass, loss of subcutaneous fat, edema or fluid accumulation, and reduced hand-grip strength (muscle function). Decreased grip strength reflects diminished muscle function tied to poor nutrition, so it is included. An increased hand-grip strength would not signal malnutrition; it suggests better muscle status, not the deficits these criteria look for. The other options—insufficient energy intake, weight loss, and loss of subcutaneous fat—are all consistent with the identified criteria.