Dysphagia increases risk for malnutrition. Which patient would be most at risk?

Dysphagia increases risk for malnutrition. Which patient would be most at risk?

• A. Individual with Dysphagia
• B. Athlete
• C. Toddler with no illness
• D. Healthy adult

Answer: (A)

Difficulty swallowing limits safe oral intake, which raises malnutrition risk. When swallowing is impaired, meals take longer, people may need texture-modified foods or thickened liquids to avoid choking, and some may eat less due to fear or discomfort. This can lead to reduced overall caloric and protein intake and possible dehydration, all contributing to malnutrition. In contrast, an athlete, a toddler with no illness, or a healthy adult typically do not have swallowing problems, so their risk of malnutrition from swallowing issues is not present. Therefore, the individual with dysphagia is most at risk because the swallowing impairment directly compromises the ability to consume enough nutrients.

Difficulty swallowing limits safe oral intake, which raises malnutrition risk. When swallowing is impaired, meals take longer, people may need texture-modified foods or thickened liquids to avoid choking, and some may eat less due to fear or discomfort. This can lead to reduced overall caloric and protein intake and possible dehydration, all contributing to malnutrition. In contrast, an athlete, a toddler with no illness, or a healthy adult typically do not have swallowing problems, so their risk of malnutrition from swallowing issues is not present. Therefore, the individual with dysphagia is most at risk because the swallowing impairment directly compromises the ability to consume enough nutrients.