The signs and symptoms of poor nutritional status.

Many signs and symptoms suggest poor nutritional status, and some have been categorized by consensus of the Nutrition Screening Initiative as "major indicators"; this term implies that, if certain standards of change from the norm in that parameter have occurred, poor nutritional status as a cause must be considered and appropriate steps taken to correct such poor nutritional status if confirmed. Virtually all of the signs and symptoms of poor nutritional status are nonspecific and may be caused or exacerbated by other medical conditions. However, by categorizing them as major or minor indicators and summarizing them, the hope is that practicing health professionals will more frequently note these commonly observed changes, appreciate their nutritional significance, and implement nutritional interventions to correct the problems thus preventing the increased morbidity and mortality known to occur in the malnourished older individual.