Preoperative Nutritional Assessment/Intervention

A. Assessment.To prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with malnutrition, an evaluation of a patient’s nutritional status early in their clinical course and again throughout the patient’s treatment is essential. The most common nutritional deficiency is protein-calorie malnutrition, the least common is vitamin or mineral deficiency; multiple factors can contribute to either. The history and clinical examination may reveal obvious problems which lead to or result from nutritional deficits (i.e., poor dentition inhibiting oral intake; alopecia as a result of zinc deficiency). A review of current medical data and past medical history will identify conditions that influence nutritional status, such as chronic or acute disease states, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or medications with possible drug-nutrient interactions. Diet history allows for the review of current oral intake with emphasis on eating habits and preferences, physical activity, and recent alterations in intake.