The nurse should use a variety of skills, such as observation, communication and knowledge of physiology, to inform an adult nutritional assessment. While observation skills are an essential element of a nutritional assessment, a patient’s nutritional status is not signified by their appearance alone.

The nurse should use a structured approach to assess the patient’s nutritional status. The use of screening tools can assist the nurse in performing an accurate nutritional assessment.

Unplanned weight loss is an important indicator of nutritional risk; similarly, in some patients, suboptimal oral health can have a significant effect on their ability to eat.

It is important to support adult patients with their nutritional requirements, for example if they require assistance with functional aspects of nutrition such as using cutlery and cooking.

How this article might improve your practice when undertaking a nutritional assessment.

How you could use this information to educate your patients and colleagues on the appropriate technique for performing a nutritional assessment.