Question

The most important assessment for the nurse to complete when evaluating a patient's nutritional status is ________?

1) Physical examination
2) Lab results
3) Patient's self-report
4) Dietary recall

Answer 1

The most important assessment for evaluating a patient's nutritional status is a physical examination, as it provides direct observational evidence of nutritional health, which is supported by lab results and dietary information.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important assessment for a nurse to complete when evaluating a patient's nutritional status is a physical examination. This assessment includes evaluating the patient's body mass index (BMI), checking for signs of nutritional deficiencies or excess, and assessing overall physical health. A physical examination allows the nurse to observe for any clinical signs that might suggest malnutrition, such as poor skin turgor, hair loss, or an overall listless appearance, which cannot be accurately described by the patient or fully revealed through lab results or dietary recall.

Lab results can provide objective data regarding a patient's nutrient levels and organ function, which can help support the findings from the physical examination. A patient's self-report or a dietary recall can offer insight into their eating habits and preferences, but this subjective information should be corroborated with objective findings. Therefore, all components including lab results, patient's self-report, and dietary recall play a role in a comprehensive nutritional assessment, but the physical examination is foundational.