Nutrition Screening and Care Flashcards

Which anthropometric measurement is used to assess subcutaneous fat stores?

Answer: Triceps skinfold thickness

Triceps skinfold (TSF) thickness measures the subcutaneous fat layer over the triceps muscle, providing an indicator of body fat reserves.

What is the primary purpose of a nutrition screening upon hospital admission?

Answer: To identify patients at nutritional risk who need further assessment

Nutrition screening is a quick, initial process to identify patients at nutritional risk so they can be referred for comprehensive nutritional assessment by a registered dietitian.

Which laboratory value is most commonly used to assess visceral protein status?

Answer: Serum albumin

Serum albumin is the most widely used laboratory marker for assessing visceral protein status, though it reflects long-term nutritional status due to its 14-20 day half-life.

What does BMI (Body Mass Index) measure?

Answer: Weight relative to height

BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, providing a weight-to-height ratio used as a screening indicator for nutritional status.

Which condition is characterized by protein and calorie malnutrition with significant muscle wasting?

Answer: Marasmus

Marasmus is a form of protein-energy malnutrition characterized by severe calorie and protein deficiency, resulting in significant muscle wasting and loss of subcutaneous fat.

The dietary manager notices a long-term care resident has lost 10% of body weight over 6 months. What classification does this represent?

Answer: Significant weight loss

A 10% weight loss over 6 months is classified as significant weight loss and warrants immediate nutritional intervention and medical evaluation.