Which patient group is most at risk for protein calorie malnutrition?

The correct answer highlights the increased vulnerability of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to protein calorie malnutrition. This group often experiences a range of nutritional challenges, including reduced appetite, increased metabolic demands due to the disease process, and side effects of treatment (like nausea, vomiting, and changes in taste). These factors can significantly impair their ability to intake sufficient calories and protein, making this population particularly susceptible to malnutrition.

In contrast, older adults living independently may manage their nutritional intake more effectively, although they can still be at risk due to factors like social isolation or health issues. Healthy athletes typically have higher protein and caloric needs, but they also tend to be more conscious of their dietary requirements and actively maintain their nutrition. Individuals with hypertension may need to control calorie and sodium intake, but this condition alone does not inherently increase the risk of protein calorie malnutrition as significantly as cancer treatment does.