In the care of a malnourished patient, which intervention is most appropriate initially?

• A. Increase fat intake only
• B. Monitor daily weights and provide balanced nutrition
• C. Restrict fluids
• D. Decrease protein intake

Answer: (B)

Restoring nourishment safely is the priority in malnutrition, and daily weight monitoring helps gauge how the patient is responding and whether fluid shifts are occurring. Providing a balanced nutrition plan ensures the patient gets adequate calories and protein for tissue repair, immune function, and overall recovery, along with essential vitamins and minerals. This approach supports gradual, safe repletion and early detection of complications such as edema or electrolyte imbalances, which is why it’s favored as the initial intervention. Increasing fat alone doesn’t address overall nutritional needs and can overwhelm metabolic processes; restricting fluids is not typically needed and can lead to dehydration; decreasing protein would worsen malnutrition and impede healing.