Malnutrition

Question 1

what is NICE definition of malnutrition?

Answer 1

BMI < 18.5 or
unintentional weight loss > 10% in past 3-6 months or
BMI < 20 + weight loss > 15% in past 3-6 months

Question 2

what screening tool is used for assessing risk of malnutrition?

Answer 2

MUST
malnutrition universal screening tool

used to categorise patients into low, medium and high risk

Question 3

describe how you would manage a patient with suspected malnutrition.

Answer 3

MUST to categorise into low, intermediate or high risk
if high risk - dietician review
use a ‘food first’ approach with clear instructions instead of just prescribing oral nutritional supplements (ONS)
if taking ONS then take in-between meals and not instead of meals

Question 4

when would you carry out a MUST screen?

Answer 4

MUST = malnutrition universal screening tool

if patient is being admitted to nursing/care home and hospital or if there is concern