Nutritional status exam

Question 1

What must be done on general inspection during a nutrirtional status exam?

Answer 1

1. pt
2. bedside

if present look at quantity of fluids in/out)

o In: NG tube/TPN, IV fluids, nutritional supplements, food/drink/NBM notes

o Out: catheter, stoma, NG tube, vomit/sputum bowels

o Charts: observations, fluid balance, drug chart (diuretics)

Question 2

What are you looking for on the hands & arms (nutrional assessment)?

Answer 2

Question 3

What must be done on examination of the head and neck (nutritional assessment)?

Answer 3

Sternum:

• cap. refill
• skin turgor

Question 4

What are you looking for on inspection of the abdomen? (nutritional assessment)

Answer 4

 Ascites (hypoalbuminemia)

 Adiposity

 Loose skin (rapid weight loss)

Question 5

What are you looking for on inspection of the legs?

Answer 5

 Peripheral oedema (hypoalbuminemia)

 Bowed legs (rickets/osteomalacia)

Question 6

What further investigations can be done to complete your nutritional assessment examination?

Answer 6

• full history
• calculate BMI
• look at U&Es
• observations
• food & fluid balance charts