Which malnourished condition may predispose a client to secondary immunodeficiency?

Cachexia is characterized by severe weight loss, muscle wasting, and a decline in overall health, often seen in patients with chronic illnesses. This condition can significantly affect the immune system, as it is associated with poor nutritional intake and inability to effectively absorb nutrients. The loss of muscle mass and essential body fat leads to deficiencies in vital nutrients that support immune function, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

When a person is malnourished due to cachexia, their body's ability to produce immune cells, antibodies, and other components essential for a robust immune response can be compromised. This predisposes the individual to secondary immunodeficiency, where the immune system is weakened not by an intrinsic defect but due to external factors, such as malnutrition.

In contrast, other conditions like cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, and Hodgkin lymphoma can also affect immunity but do so through different mechanisms. While these conditions may lead to complications that weaken the immune system, cachexia specifically highlights the link between inadequate nutrition and immune dysfunction, making it a critical factor in the development of secondary immunodeficiency.