An assessment of functional status may aid in determining nutrition risk. Which assessment provides information on functional status?

• A. Intelligence quotient exam
• B. Measurement of fat mass
• C. Visual exam
• D. Handgrip strength assessment

Answer: (D)

Assessing functional status focuses on how well a person can perform activities that support eating and overall health. Handgrip strength is a practical, quantitative measure of muscle function that reflects overall functional capacity. Using a dynamometer, the force produced by the hand correlates with daily functioning, frailty, and nutrition outcomes; lower grip strength consistently signals higher nutrition risk and predicts adverse events. This makes it a direct and efficient way to gauge functional status in the context of nutrition assessment.

The other options don’t provide the same information: an intelligence test measures cognitive abilities rather than physical function; fat mass shows body composition but not functional capability; a visual examination lacks standardized, objective data on function.