September 10, 2015 - Nutritional Assessment

Question 1

Malnutrition

Answer 1

A pathologic state resulting from a relative or an absolute deficiency or from an excess of one or more essential nutrients.

Is multifactorial.

Question 2

How Common is Malnutrition?

Answer 2

Common. 25-50% of hospitalized patients are malnourished, and they are only identified 50% of the time by medical staff.

Question 3

Malnutrition and Health

Answer 3

Malnutrition increases morbidity and mortality.

Associated with a large increased relative risk of death or disease. Early nutrition has been shown to increase outcomes in patients.

Question 4

Tools to Assess Nutrition

Answer 4

1. Serum pre-albumin

2. BMI + waist circumference

3. Subjective assessment
4. Tricep fold and grip strength

Question 5

Subjective Global Assessment (SGA)

Answer 5

HISTORY

Weight loss

Dietary intake

GI symptoms

Functional status

Metabolic demands

PHYSICAL EXAM

Muscle wasting

Subcutaneous fat loss

SCORE

Score A - well nourished or recoverying

Score B - moderately malnourished (5-10% weight loss)

Score C - severely malnourished (>10% weight loss)