Nurses can use several methods to assess nutritional adequacy. These include: - Dietary Assessments: Evaluating the patient's food intake through 24-hour recalls, food frequency questionnaires, or food diaries. - Anthropometric Measurements: Measuring body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and other body metrics. - Biochemical Tests: Analyzing blood and urine samples for nutrient levels and metabolic markers. - Clinical Observations: Identifying signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses through physical examinations. - Patient History: Reviewing medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors that may impact nutritional status.
