Introduction
The nutritional status of individuals, with a specific article selected for review titled “Validation of the Diet Quality Index for Adolescents by Comparison with Biomarkers, nutrient, and Food Intakes: the HELENA study.” It is crucial to educate patients about appropriate nutritional intake and adhere to dietary guidelines specific to their age group. Inadequate or excessive nutrient intake can have significant health implications, including nutritional deficiencies and increased risk of obesity, as highlighted by Vyncke K et al.
So poor nutrition is not limited to third-world countries but poses a threat to vulnerable populations worldwide due to a lack of education. This paper aims to answer the question; The subsequent sections will summarize the findings from the studies conducted by Vyncke, K et al. and Bhardwaj S. et al. and assess whether their research provides sufficient evidence to address the question.
Article Search
I accessed the Chamberlain University website through my course portal to begin my article search. I searched the internet using the query “how to evaluate nutritional status.” I carefully reviewed and skimmed through the articles that seemed relevant to my research, specifically focusing on those that provided valuable insights or supported the topic of assessing nutritional status. The search yielded substantial results, with approximately 64,000 articles, journal entries, and scholarly publications associated with the case.
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After thorough consideration, I identified three articles that appeared relevant and informative. All three pieces were peer-reviewed, ensuring their credibility and rigorous evaluation. The article selected for reference and utilization in this paper was published in 2016.
Article Findings
While searching for relevant articles, I specifically looked for one that delved deeper into the assessment of nutritional status and explored various methods with their respective advantages and disadvantages. One article that provided valuable insights in this regard was the study by Bharadwaj S. et al. (2016). In their research, Bharadwaj and colleagues emphasize the importance of the nutrition-focused physical examination (NFPE) as a crucial component in diagnosing malnutrition and evaluating nutritional status. The NFPE considers a range of characteristics, from general indicators like edema, muscle wasting, and subcutaneous fat loss, to specific deficiencies in micronutrients. The NFPE demonstrates high sensitivity in assessing nutritional status.
This article highlights the significance of utilizing multiple assessment methods rather than a single approach. Each assessment method contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s nutritional status, enabling a more individualized approach to patient care. By considering the collective findings from various assessments, healthcare professionals can obtain a more holistic view of the patient’s nutritional needs and tailor interventions accordingly.
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Discussion and Implications
A comprehensive and holistic approach to assessing the nutritional status of patients. The authors highlight that while serum nutritional markers have certain advantages, such as availability and reproducibility, they also have limitations. Factors like liver disease, fluid status, stress, and illness can impact the accuracy and interpretation of these markers, making them less reliable indicators of actual nutritional status. In contrast, the study underscores the significance of a thorough physical assessment in determining a patient’s nutritional status. Biological indicators, such as edema, muscle wasting, and subcutaneous fat loss, provide valuable insights into the patient’s overall healthy well-being. By combining the findings from physical assessment and serum markers, healthcare practitioners can better understand the patient’s nutritional status.
The clinical practice. It emphasizes the need for healthcare practitioners to assess and interpret serum nutritional markers appropriately and comprehensively. By doing so, practitioners can enhance their ability to provide tailored interventions based on individual patient needs. Demonstrates an unbiased and in-depth exploration of various assessment methods. The authors emphasize the complementary nature of these methods rather than advocating for a single approach. Researchers agree that laboratory markers should not be solely relied upon but used with a detailed physical examination.
Sharing of Evidence
Having thoroughly examined this article, I recognize the significance of raising awareness about the importance of nutritional status for our overall well-being. Our parents, family members, friends, co-workers, and healthcare professionals we encounter. To effectively disseminate this information, I propose creating brochures or a webpage that caters to the general public and healthcare practitioners, providing valuable insights into measuring and evaluating nutritional status.
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A variety of resources can be utilized to maximize the reach of this information. These include informative materials such as PowerPoint presentations, Prezi slideshows, discussion boards, blogs, and engaging through social media and online platforms. By utilizing these diverse mediums, we can ensure that this valuable knowledge reaches individuals worldwide, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their nutritional well-being. Furthermore, targeted efforts can be made to educate healthcare professionals and nurses specifically, equipping them with the necessary tools and resources to assess and monitor patients’ nutritional status accurately. This can be achieved through workshops, training sessions, and online courses focusing on comprehensive dietary assessment and integrating physical examinations and serum markers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, overcoming the fear of change requires knowledge and education, enabling us to evolve and improve personally and professionally. As healthcare professionals, nurses are trained to approach patient care holistically, recognizing that a comprehensive understanding of the individual goes beyond numerical data. While laboratory tests provide valuable information, they may not capture the whole picture, making physical assessment an essential tool in diagnosing malnutrition and evaluating nutritional status.
References
Bharadwaj, S., Ginoya, S., Tandon, P., Gohel, T. D., Guirguis, J., Vallabh, H., Jevenn, A., & Hanouneh, I. (2016). Malnutrition: laboratory markers vs. nutritional assessment. Gastroenterology report, 4(4), 272–280.
