What is the overall purpose of a nutritional assessment?
To identify nutritional risk factors for further evaluation
The overall purpose of a nutritional assessment is to evaluate an individual’s dietary intake and nutritional status in order to identify potential nutritional risks, deficiencies, or excesses that may impact their health. Nutritional assessments involve the evaluation of various factors such as body weight, height, body composition, energy expenditure, dietary intake, nutrient deficiencies, medical history, and lifestyle factors.
By conducting a nutritional assessment, a healthcare professional can determine an individual’s nutritional requirements, as well as identify any potential nutritional deficiencies or excesses. Based on this assessment, the healthcare professional can then develop an appropriate nutritional intervention plan tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.
Nutritional assessments are especially important for individuals who are at risk of developing malnutrition, such as individuals with certain medical conditions, elderly individuals, and individuals with eating disorders. Regular nutritional assessments can help to ensure that these individuals are receiving adequate nutrition to maintain optimal health and well-being.
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