What to do when physical observations are abnormal

• This is important to look at weight trajectory, assess level of risk and to determine medical monitoring
• It is important to evaluate this in the context of other measures

Pulse

• Bradycardia (slow pulse) can indicate malnutrition and hypokalaemia (low potassium)
• Tachycardia (fast heartrate) can indicate hyperthyroidism which may be linked to weight loss
• If abnormal or irregular pulse please consider an ECG

• Drop in blood pressure from sitting or lying to standing of >10mmHg. This may indicate malnutrition and dehydration

Temperature

• Hypothermia (low body temperature) indicates malnutrition and low body fat

SUST (Sit up and Squat test)

• Indicates proximal muscle weakness or either the abdominal muscles (sit-up test) or quadriceps (squat test)

• Indicates malnutrition and weakness