Question

At the end of a nutritional assessment, if the registered dietitian determines that the problem cannot be modified by further nutrition care, what is the appropriate next step?

1) Send a referral to outpatient nutrition services
2) Discontinue nutrition care
3) Initiate enteral feeding
4) Establish a new nutrition diagnosis

Answer 1

When a registered dietitian concludes that a nutritional issue can't be altered through dietary intervention, discontinuation of nutrition care or a referral to outpatient services may be the next appropriate steps.

Step-by-step explanation:

At the end of a nutritional assessment, if the registered dietitian determines that the problem cannot be modified by further nutrition care, it indicates that the condition may require interventions beyond dietary changes. In such cases, the appropriate next step is not to immediately initiate enteral feeding or establish a new nutrition diagnosis. Instead, if the nutrition-related issue is non-modifiable, the dietitian might choose to discontinue nutrition care as there would no longer be a need for nutritional intervention. It is also possible that a referral to outpatient nutrition services or other medical professionals may be necessary if the issue is beyond the scope of dietary modification.