Why is MST Important in Nursing?
Malnutrition can lead to severe health complications, including increased infection rates, delayed wound healing, and longer hospital stays. Nurses play a critical role in early identification and management of malnutrition to improve patient outcomes. Using the MST allows nurses to quickly identify patients who may need nutritional support.
How is the MST Administered?
The MST is typically administered during the initial assessment or admission process. It involves asking patients two key questions:
Have you lost weight recently without trying?
If yes, how much weight have you lost?
The responses to these questions are scored, and a higher score indicates a greater risk of malnutrition.
Unintentional weight loss of less than 1 kg (2.2 lbs) - Score 0
Unintentional weight loss of 1-5 kg (2.2-11 lbs) - Score 1
Unintentional weight loss of 6-10 kg (13-22 lbs) - Score 2
Unintentional weight loss of more than 10 kg (22 lbs) - Score 3
If the patient has lost weight and has a decreased appetite, an additional point is added. A total score of 2 or more indicates that the patient is at risk of malnutrition and requires further assessment.
Score of 0-1: Monitor the patient’s nutritional status regularly and encourage a balanced diet.
Score of 2 or more: Refer the patient to a
dietitian for comprehensive assessment and development of a nutritional care plan.
Early identification of patients at risk of malnutrition.
Improved patient outcomes through timely nutritional interventions.
Reduction in healthcare costs by preventing complications associated with malnutrition.
Enhanced
interdisciplinary collaboration between nurses, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals.
It relies on self-reported data, which may not always be accurate.
It may not identify all patients at risk, especially those with chronic conditions that affect nutritional status.
It does not provide a comprehensive assessment of nutritional needs.
Conclusion
Incorporating the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) into nursing practice is essential for the early detection and management of malnutrition. By understanding how to administer the MST, interpret its results, and take appropriate actions, nurses can significantly improve patient care and outcomes.
