How Do You Determine the Nutritional Needs of a Patient?
To determine a patient's nutritional needs, nurses should conduct a comprehensive nutritional assessment. This includes:
- Dietary History: Collect information about the patient's usual food intake, meal patterns, and preferences. - Clinical Data: Review the patient's medical history, laboratory results, and physical examination findings. - Anthropometric Measurements: Measure body weight, height, and BMI to assess nutritional status. - Biochemical Tests: Monitor blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and other relevant biomarkers. - Functional Tests: Assess muscle strength and functional capabilities to understand nutritional impacts on physical health.
