Which assessment method evaluates subcutaneous fat and muscle wasting at multiple body sites?

Which assessment method evaluates subcutaneous fat and muscle wasting at multiple body sites?

• A. SGA
• B. NRI
• C. PNI
• D. PINI

Answer: (A)

The method that evaluates subcutaneous fat and muscle wasting at multiple body sites is the Subjective Global Assessment. It combines patient history with a careful physical examination, specifically looking for loss of subcutaneous fat in several areas (such as the triceps region and around the orbital area) and muscle wasting across multiple sites (like the shoulders, temples, and quadriceps). These physical signs, integrated with weight history and functional status, help classify nutritional status from well-nourished to moderately or severely malnourished. Other indices rely mainly on laboratory values or single-parameter measurements and do not systematically document regional fat and muscle loss across different body sites, so they don’t capture this multi-site assessment the way SGA does.

The method that evaluates subcutaneous fat and muscle wasting at multiple body sites is the Subjective Global Assessment. It combines patient history with a careful physical examination, specifically looking for loss of subcutaneous fat in several areas (such as the triceps region and around the orbital area) and muscle wasting across multiple sites (like the shoulders, temples, and quadriceps). These physical signs, integrated with weight history and functional status, help classify nutritional status from well-nourished to moderately or severely malnourished. Other indices rely mainly on laboratory values or single-parameter measurements and do not systematically document regional fat and muscle loss across different body sites, so they don’t capture this multi-site assessment the way SGA does.