Which statement lists the four objective criteria used by the Prognostic Nutrition Index (PNI)?

Which statement lists the four objective criteria used by the Prognostic Nutrition Index (PNI)?

• A. Body mass index; Serum albumin; Serum transferrin; Delayed hypersensitivity skin test reactivity
• B. Tricep skin fold thickness measurement; Serum albumin; Serum transferrin; Delayed hypersensitivity skin test reactivity
• C. Arm circumference; Prealbumin; Serum transferrin; C-reactive protein
• D. Weight history; Serum albumin; Serum transferrin; Vitamin D levels

Answer: (B)

The Prognostic Nutritional Index uses four objective measures that together reflect body energy reserves, visceral protein status, and immune function. The four components are: - Triceps skinfold thickness measurement: an anthropometric estimate of subcutaneous fat stores, giving insight into energy reserves. - Serum albumin: a visceral protein marker that decreases with malnutrition and inflammation, indicating overall protein status. - Serum transferrin: another protein marker tied to protein-energy status and iron transport; lower levels suggest malnutrition. - Delayed-type hypersensitivity skin test reactivity: an immunologic measure of cell-mediated immunity, which tends to be diminished in malnutrition. This combination provides a broader view of nutritional status by covering fat stores, protein supply, and immune competence, rather than relying on a single metric. Other options mix in measures like BMI, prealbumin, CRP, or vitamin D, which are not the four objective criteria used in this index.

The Prognostic Nutritional Index uses four objective measures that together reflect body energy reserves, visceral protein status, and immune function. The four components are:

• Triceps skinfold thickness measurement: an anthropometric estimate of subcutaneous fat stores, giving insight into energy reserves.

• Serum albumin: a visceral protein marker that decreases with malnutrition and inflammation, indicating overall protein status.

• Serum transferrin: another protein marker tied to protein-energy status and iron transport; lower levels suggest malnutrition.

• Delayed-type hypersensitivity skin test reactivity: an immunologic measure of cell-mediated immunity, which tends to be diminished in malnutrition.

This combination provides a broader view of nutritional status by covering fat stores, protein supply, and immune competence, rather than relying on a single metric. Other options mix in measures like BMI, prealbumin, CRP, or vitamin D, which are not the four objective criteria used in this index.