Marasmus Nursing Diagnosis

Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition that consists of the chronic wasting away of fat, muscle, and other tissues in the body. Malnutrition occurs when your body does not get enough protein and calories. This lack of nutrition can range from a shortage of certain vitamins to complete starvation. Marasmus is one of the most serious forms of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in the world.

Marasmus is a serious problem and is most common in children in developing regions, such as Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, where poverty, along with inadequate food supplies and contaminated water, are prevalent. Contaminated water may contain bacteria or parasites that enter the body when the water is consumed and cause infections that complicate the condition.
Marasmus symptoms will vary depending on the severity and whether associated infections or other conditions are present. General symptoms of marasmus include chronic diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, and rapid weight loss. If the disease is caused solely by poor nutrition, then a change in diet should be enough to correct the problem and prevent recurrence. Marasmus that is related to an underlying disease may require additional treatment.

Marasmus Nursing Diagnosis

1. Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements related to inadequate food intake (appetite).


2. Deficit fluid volume related to diarrhea.


3. Impaired skin integrity related to impaired nutritional / metabolic status.


4. Risk for infection related to damage the body's defenses.


5. Knowledge deficit related to its lack of information.


6. Changes in growth and development, related to the weakening of physical ability and dependence secondary to caloric intake or inadequate nutrition.


7. Activity intolerance related to impaired oxygen transport system secondary to malnutrition.


8. Excess fluid volume related to lower protein intake (malnutrition).