Question

Explain the nutrition assessment for the lower gastrointestinal tract, including the components of client history, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical data, and giving examples of each component

Answer 1

Nutrition assessment is an in-depth evaluation of body objective and subjective data related to an individual,s food and nutrients intake , lifestyle, and medical history.The assessment leads to a plan of care , or intervention , designed to help the individual either maintain the assessed status or attain a healthier status.

The data for a nutritional assessment falls into 4 categories: Anthropometric, biochemical , clinical, and dietary.

Anthropometrics.

It is the estimation of nutritional status on the basis of measurement of the physical dimensions and gross composition of an individual's body.They are the objectives measurement of body muscle and fat.They are used to compare individuals,to compare growth in the young , and to assess weight loss or gain in the mature individual. Weight and height are the most frequently used anthropometric measurement , and skinfold measurements of several areas of the body are also taken.

Biochemical data.

It is the estimation on the basis of measurement of nutrition stores,functional forms,excreted forms, and metabolic function.Laboratory tests based on blood and urine can be important indicators of nutritional status , but they are influenced by nonnutritional factors as well.Lab results can be altered by medication ,hydration status ,and diseases states or other metabolic processes ,such as stress.As with the other nutrition assessment , biochemical data need to be viewed as a part of the whole.

Clinical history.

It is the estimation of nutritional status on the basis of recording a medical history and conducting a physical examination to detect signs and symptoms associated with malnutrition.Clinical data provide information about the individual's medical history ,including acute and chronic illness and diagnostic procedure , therapies, or treatments that may increase nutrients needs or induce malabsorption. Current mediciations need to be documented , and both prescription drugs and over -the-counter drugs ,such as laxatives or analgesics , must be included in the analysis .Vitamins, minerals,and herbal preparation also needed to be reviewed . physical signs of malnutrition can be documented during the nutrition interview and area an important parts of the assessment process.