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Part II Nutrition Assessment, Consequences, and Implications

TABLE 6.8 Nutrition-Focused Physical Findings of Malnutrition Signs

Hair Dull, dry; lack of natural shine, easily plucked

Thin, sparse; alopecia

Color changes, depigmentation, lack luster Easily plucked with no pain

Corkscrew hair; unemerged, coiled hairs Eyes

Xanthoma (Small, yellowish nodules around eyes) Arcus corneae (White rings around both eyes)

Angular inflammation of eyelids, “grittiness” under eyelids, superficial vascularization, ulcerations of cornea, photophobia, lacrimation

Pale eye and mucous membranes

Impaired night vision, night blindness, chronic dry eye, dull or soft cornea

Redness and fissures of eyelid corners; red and inflamed conjunctiva, swollen and sticky eyelids

Ring of fine blood vessels around cornea Bitot’s spots (white spots in eyes) Ophthalmoplegia

Lips Stomatitis (redness and swelling of mouth)

Chelosis (angular fissures, scars at corner of mouth) Soreness, burning lips, pallor Gums

Spongy, swollen, bleeds easily, redness (swollen, bleeding gums; retracted gums with teeth)

Gingivitis

Mouth Cheilosis, angular scars Soreness, burning

Possible Nutrition-Related Causes

Protein-energy deficiency Essential fatty acid deficiency (EFA)

Zinc, biotin, protein deficiency

Other nutrient deficiencies: manganese, copper Protein deficiency

Vitamin C deficiency Hyperlipidemia Riboflavin deficiency

Vitamin B-12, folate, and/or iron deficiency Vitamin A, zinc deficiency

Riboflavin/pyridoxine deficiency

General poor nutrition Vitamin A deficiency

Thiamin, phosphorus deficiency

Niacin, riboflavin, iron, and/or pyridoxine deficiency Niacin, riboflavin, iron, and/or pyridoxine deficiency Riboflavin deficiency

Vitamin C deficiency Vitamin C, niacin deficiency

Riboflavin, iron, pyridoxine, niacin deficiency Riboflavin deficiency