In a long-term care setting, weight loss is associated with which outcome?

• A. Increased length of stay, poor immune response.
• B. Shorter length of stay, and improved recovery.
• C. Decreased risk of infection.
• D. Shorter hospitalization.

Answer: (A)

Weight loss in a long-term care resident signals malnutrition and frailty, which severely affects the body's ability to fight infection and heal. Malnutrition weakens immune defenses, reduces barrier function, and impairs wound healing, making infections more likely and recovery slower. That combination typically leads to a longer hospital stay or a longer period to regain function, along with a poorer immune response. The idea that weight loss would shorten stays, improve recovery, or decrease infection risk doesn’t fit with how malnutrition impacts physiology in older adults.