Nutrition Assessment of the Hospitalized Patient

Question 1

define the purpose of a nutrition assessment

Answer 1

• Systematic method for obtaining, verifying,
and interpreting data needed to identify
nutrition-related problems, their causes, and significance.

Question 2

What are the 4 components of the nutrition care process?

Answer 2

Assessment, diagnosis, intervention and monitor/eval

Question 3

What is a red flag for potential nutritional problems?

Answer 3

percent weight change and a history of unintentional weight loss

Question 4

ID the components of a nutrition focused physical findings

Answer 4

vital signs
macronutrient: carbs, protein, fat
micronutrient: Fe, folate, riboflavin, B12, niacin, zinc
adipose stores
oral
skin/hair/nails
physical appearance
muscle/fat wasting
hydration
nutrient deficiencies

Question 5

The nutrition diagnosis includes what?

Answer 5

(PES)

problem, etiology, and signs and symptoms of a nutrient related problem.

Question 6

State the purpose of a nutrition intervention

Answer 6

• The third step of the NCP 
• Purposefully planned action to “fix” the
etiology 
• RD’s responsibility 
• 2 components
– Planning 
– Implementing
• Must involve the patient
– Patient centered

Question 7

List the 5 domains of a nutrition intervention

Answer 7

• Food and/or Nutrient Delivery: Individualized approach for food/nutrient provision, Oral, Enteral, Parenteral
• Nutrition Education; Instruct or train a patient/client in a skill; Impart knowledge
• Nutrition Counseling: Priorities, goals, and individualized action plan; Stages of change
• Coordination of Nutrition Care: Referral to a SLP; Referral to Social Worker
• Population Based Nutrition Action: Theoretical frameworks, Population strategies

Question 8

Describe the scope of malnutrition in hospitalized or chronic care patients

Answer 8

– 30% to 50% of hospitalized patients 
– 1 in 2 patients hospitalized 
– 95% of nursing home patients 
– Increased complications may lead to morbidity, mortality, increased length
of stay and increased cost

Question 9

Malnutrition

Answer 9

any nutritional imbalance.

decline in lean body mass w/ the potential for functional impairment

Question 10

ID the characteristics of malnutrition

Answer 10

insufficient energy intake
weight loss
loss of muscle mass
loss of subcutaneous fat