From Medical Facts to a Nutrition Diagnosis

Name the problem the RDN can treat

Nutrition diagnosis is the second step of the Nutrition Care Process. It identifies and labels an existing nutrition problem for which the RDN has responsibility in treatment. This makes it different from four nearby concepts. A medical diagnosis names a disease or pathological condition, such as Crohn disease, heart failure, or a stroke. A screening result identifies risk and triggers further assessment. An assessment finding reports what was observed, such as intake below estimated needs or a 6 percent unintentional weight loss. An intervention states what will be done, such as providing a fortified diet or coordinating meal delivery. The nutrition diagnosis names the response that nutrition care will address, such as inadequate oral intake or food insecurity. On an exam, ask what the statement is doing. Disease label means medical diagnosis. Risk score means screening. Raw measurement means assessment. Action verb usually means intervention. A standardized, modifiable nutrition problem means nutrition diagnosis.