Which of the following is a sign of neglect?

• A. Obvious malnutrition
• B. Groomed appearance
• C. Regular medical checkups
• D. Adequate personal cleanliness

Answer: (A)

Failing to provide basic care leads to signs like malnutrition, which shows an insufficient intake of food and nourishment over time. That sustained lack of adequate nutrition directly points to neglect because meeting basic needs such as nutrition is foundational to care. The other options depict conditions where basic care is being addressed: a groomed appearance, regular medical checkups, and adequate personal cleanliness all indicate that someone is receiving appropriate care and attention. So, malnutrition stands out as the clear indicator of neglect, reflecting a failure to provide essential nourishment, whereas the others reflect proper care or maintenance. In real cases, look for consistent patterns of poor nutrition and hygiene over time to identify neglect rather than a single odd occurrence.