Malnutrition

Question 1

NICE defines malnutrition as the following:

Answer 1

BMI < 18.5; or

unintentional weight loss greater than 10% within the last 3-6 months; or

a BMI <20 and unintentional weight loss greater than 5% within the last 3-6 months

Question 2

% of patients aged over 65 that are malnourished?

Answer 2

10%

vast majority living independently, not in hospital or care homes

Question 3

Screening for malnutrition is done using which tool?

Answer 3

MUST tool

Question 4

Management of malnutrion:

Answer 4

Dietician support if the patient is high-risk

A food-first approach with clear instructions (eg add full-fat cream to mashed potato) rather than just prescribing oral nutritional supplements (ONS) such as Ensure

If ONS are used they should be taken between meals, rather than instead of meals