Final answer:
Patient populations at risk for malnutrition and dehydration include the elderly, individuals with certain diseases, people in poverty, babies and infants, and endurance athletes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patient populations who may be at risk for malnutrition and dehydration include:
- Elderly individuals: Aging can lead to a decrease in appetite and difficulty in absorbing nutrients, increasing the risk of malnutrition. Dehydration can also occur due to decreased thirst sensation.
- Individuals with certain diseases: Conditions like cancer, inflammatory bowel syndrome, AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, and chronic pain can affect appetite, digestion, and nutrient absorption.
- People living in poverty: Lack of access to a diverse diet and adequate protein sources can contribute to high levels of malnutrition.
- Babies and infants: Their low body mass makes them vulnerable to dehydration, especially when experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.
- Endurance athletes: Prolonged physical activity can lead to excessive sweating and fluid loss, increasing the risk of dehydration.