Which of the following is NOT considered a cause of malnutrition in older adults?

The selection of "short-term illness and overconsumption of one nutrient" as not being considered a cause of malnutrition in older adults is based on understanding the typical dietary patterns and nutritional challenges faced by this population. While short-term illnesses can certainly impact nutritional status temporarily, they are generally viewed as acute events that may lead to decreased intake rather than ongoing issues that cause malnutrition in the long run.

In contrast, long-standing issues such as poor oral intake or chewing and swallowing difficulties directly lead to inadequate nutritional intake over time, resulting in malnutrition. Similarly, ill-fitting dentures and the loss of the ability to self-feed can significantly affect an individual's capacity to consume sufficient nutrition. Restrictive diet orders, often necessary for managing chronic conditions, along with polypharmacotherapy, can also compromise nutritional status due to possible interactions between medications and nutrients, or the dietary limitations imposed for health reasons.

Overconsumption of one nutrient, while potentially concerning, does not directly imply malnutrition, which typically refers to deficiencies in essential nutrients rather than an excess of a specific one. Understanding these dynamics helps clarify why short-term illness combined with excessive intake of a single nutrient is not typically categorized as a primary cause of malnutrition among older adults.