Nutritional Assessments
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Nutritional Assessments
Nutritional assessment is crucial to maintaining overall health and well-being, particularly for individuals at different life stages, including adults and developing children. It enables medical professionals to thoroughly evaluate each patient’s nutritional condition, diagnose malnutrition, pinpoint the underlying disorders that cause it, and schedule any required therapies (Kesari & Noel, 2022). In this essay, we will conduct a comprehensive nutritional assessment using the Nestle Mini Nutritional Assessment Tool on two members of a selected family – a child aged ten years and an adult aged 45 years.
The 10-year-old child has a height of 135 cm, the 50th percentile for age; his weight is 28kg, the 40th percentile for age. Therefore, his BMI is 15.4kg/ m², the 50th percentile for his age. His hemoglobin level is 12.5 g/dL, which is within normal ranges. His 3-day food diary shows adequate calorie intake but low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. He has no clinical signs of nutrient deficiencies, and he is physically active and participates in outdoor activities and sports at school. Finally, he has regular bowel movements and adequate hydration. His subjective data include occasional complaints of stomach discomfort after meals; he says he prefers processed snacks and sugary beverages, dislikes the taste and texture of certain vegetables, and reports that he skips meals due to his busy schedule and lack of appetite.
After assessing his subjective and objective data, we can conclude that he has nutritional problems like unhealthy eating habits, including a high intake of processed and sugary foods. He also has an inadequate intake of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. He is at risk of developing obesity or overweight in the future because of unhealthy eating habits (NIH, 2022). He is also at risk of nutrient deficiencies like iron, calcium, and vitamin C. The child or his parents must be educated on the importance of balanced nutrition and portion control, this can be done by providing him with practical tips and recipes for incorporating healthier snacks and meals.
The other family member we will assess is a 45-year-old adult. His objective data include a height of 170 cm, a weight of 85kg, and a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 29.4 kg/m², indicating that he is overweight. His blood pressure is 145/95 mmHg, indicating stage 1 hypertension. His total cholesterol is 240 mg/dL, which is high, and his low-density cholesterol (LDL) is 160 mg/dL, which is also high. Moreover, his HDL cholesterol is 35 mg/dL, which is low (LaRosa, 2022). Finally, his fasting blood glucose is 120 mg/dL, indicating prediabetes. His subjective data include the fact that he lives a sedentary lifestyle due to his desk job and long commute; he also likes frequent fast food and processed meals and has difficulty maintaining a consistent exercise routine. Finally, he experiences occasional heartburn and bloating after meals.
From the above assessment, he has nutritional problems, including overweight/obesity, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol), hypertension, and prediabetes. Health promotion messages for this field include educating on portion control and balanced nutrition and reading food labels, especially on fast foods, to check the nutritional benefits. We could also suggest practical strategies for incorporating physical activity into daily routines (Mattei & Alfonso, 2020).
Through this nutritional assessment, we have identified objective and subjective data, potential nutritional problems, and appropriate health promotion teaching opportunities for both individuals. It is essential to address these issues promptly to prevent further complications and promote overall health and well-being (Simmonstaw, 2023). Focusing on developing healthy eating habits and ensuring adequate nutrient intake is crucial for proper growth and development for the child. On the other hand, adults require interventions to manage weight, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and prediabetes through dietary modifications and increased physical activity. By conducting thorough nutritional assessments and implementing tailored interventions, healthcare professionals can empower individuals and families to make informed decisions and adopt lifestyle changes that contribute to optimal nutritional status and overall health.
References
Kesari, A., & Noel, J. Y. (2022). Nutritional Assessment. PubMed; Stat Pearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580496/#:~:text=Nutritional%20assessment%20allows%20healthcare%20providers.
LaRosa, J. C. (2022). At what total low- or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels should diet/drug therapy be initiated? United States guidelines. The American Journal of Cardiology, 65(12), 7–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9149(90)91247-4.
Mattei, J., & Alfonso, C. (2020). Strategies for healthy eating promotion and behavioral change perceived as effective by nutrition professionals: A mixed-methods study. Frontiers in Nutrition, 7(114). https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.00114.
NIH. (2022, March 24). Overweight and Obesity – Causes and Risk Factors | NHLBI, NIH. Www.nhlbi.nih.gov. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/overweight-and-obesity/causes#:~:text=Some%20unhealthy%20eating%20behaviors%20can.
Simmonstaw, S. (2023). Physical Examination and Health Assessment 8th edition by Carolyn Jarvis, PhD. Www.academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/42782620/Physical_Examination_and_Health_Assessment_8th_Edition_by_Carolyn_Jarvis_PhD.