Which of the following indicators is the most practical parameter for screening nutrition status in elderly clients?

Weight change is considered the most practical parameter for screening nutrition status in elderly clients due to its direct association with overall health and nutritional status. In the elderly population, unintentional weight loss can be a significant indicator of underlying health issues, including malnutrition, chronic disease, or functional decline. Regular monitoring of weight allows dietetic technicians and healthcare professionals to quickly identify potential nutritional deficiencies or concerns that may need further intervention.

This approach is also relatively straightforward and can be easily implemented in various settings. Unlike serum albumin levels, which can be influenced by factors unrelated to nutrition, such as hydration status or acute illness, weight change provides a more immediate reflection of an individual's nutritional intake and status. Additionally, while triceps skinfold thickness offers insight into body fat and may help in assessing caloric reserves, it can be less practical to measure consistently in elderly clients. Lastly, while 24-hour dietary recall records can provide detailed dietary intake information, they require more time and cooperation from the client and may be subject to inaccuracies due to recall bias. Thus, monitoring weight change stands out as the most effective and practical measure for this population.