The importance of a nutritional assessment can be explained by the need to investigate the existence of issues with malnutrition causing damage to the given person’s health. The majority of information can be collected by interviewing the patient and performing physical assessments intended to help patients outline any chief complaints or discuss the history of intaking medications and supplements (Correia, 2018). From the existing dietary habits to serum lab values, all evidence can be utilized to assess the patient’s current condition and decide on future steps. When developing a nutritional plan for a patient, the nurse could use subjective data to transform the patient’s health history into relevant recommendations. With objective information – such as BMI, anthropometric measurements, and body weight – the nurse could take a better look at body functioning (Stein & Hollen, 2020). Additional laboratory tests could help determine the best solution for malnutrition.
Another important task for the nurse is to gain more insight into the impact of macronutrients on the human organism. For instance, carbohydrates enable metabolism and generate the energy that enables the central nervous system and muscles (Stein & Hollen, 2020). Proteins are required to prevent infections and diseases from spreading while also controlling fundamental body functions and transporting energy to every cell. Ultimately, fats regulate tissue functioning, protect organs, and store the energy generated by other macronutrients. One of the most impactful disorders affecting metabolism is diabetes mellitus. It occurs when insulin resistance develops within the organism, and the overall level of insulin decreases as well (Correia, 2018). The balance of insulin is usually attained through the interface of glucose transportation stimulation. The level of glucose remains low even after eating, so the patient gets exposed to long-term impacts on kidney reabsorption function.
References
Correia, M. I. T. D. (2018). Nutrition screening vs. nutrition assessment: What’s the difference?Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 33(1), 62-72. Web.
Stein, L., & Hollen, C. J. (2020). Concept-based clinical nursing skills: Fundamental to advanced. Elsevier Health Sciences.