What are two indications that a patient may need nutrition assessment in a healthcare setting?

• A. Being over 30 years old.
• B. Unexplained recent weight change and suspected malnutrition risk or poor intake.
• C. Regular exercise.
• D. Eating vegetables.

Answer: (B)

Nutrition assessment is indicated when there are signs that a patient may not be meeting nutritional needs. The two clear indicators are an unexplained recent weight change and suspected malnutrition risk or poor intake. Unexplained weight change, especially loss, suggests energy balance has shifted due to reduced intake, illness, or losses, and tracking this trend helps identify who needs a deeper evaluation. If there’s suspected malnutrition risk or evidence of poor intake, it means the person isn’t getting enough calories or protein or has factors like reduced appetite, swallowing difficulties, or disease effects that threaten nutritional status, so a formal assessment is needed to tailor care.

The other options don’t signal a nutrition problem requiring assessment: simply being over 30 doesn’t imply malnutrition, regular exercise is generally beneficial, and eating vegetables reflects good dietary quality rather than a need for nutrition evaluation.