A hospitalized older adult who recently had surgery and a wound infection postoperatively is noted to be losing weight despite consuming provided meal trays and snacks. What is one reason that this might be occurring?

A. An injury may cause malabsorption of nutrients: While malabsorption is possible, it's not the most likely mechanism here; infections more often affect metabolic demand. B. An injury may trigger inflammatory mediators that increase metabolic rate and impair nutrient utilization: Inflammatory responses to infection or injury increase metabolic demands, protein catabolism, and impair nutrient utilization-leading to weight loss despite adequate intake. C. Most hospitalized patients do not have accurate weights recorded upon admission: This could affect assessment, but it doesn’t explain actual continued weight loss during the hospital stay. D. Most hospitalized older patients do not consume adequate amounts of micro- and macronutrients: While inadequate intake is common, the question states the patient is consuming meals and snacks-so this option does not directly apply.