Complete a Nutritional Assessment, using a tool of your choice, on two members of a selected family (one between the age 5-17 years and a second aged 21-59).  Collect and summarize at least 8 objective and 4 subjective elements for each person.  Create an actual or potential problem list, including 4 problems, for both individuals, include 3 health promotion teaching opportunities you would suggest for 1 problem for each individual. Read Chapters 1-3 and Chapter 11 in Jarvis, C. (2015). (7th ed.).  St. Louis, MO: Saunders. Paper

Nutritional assessment is a critical component in evaluating an individual’s health and well-being. It involves collecting and analyzing data on dietary intake, physical examination findings, medical and social history, and laboratory tests. By conducting a nutritional assessment, healthcare professionals can identify nutritional deficiencies, assess potential risks, and develop interventions to improve the individual’s nutritional status.

For this assignment, the task is to conduct a nutritional assessment on two members of a selected family. The first individual should be between the ages of 5-17 years, while the second individual should be aged 21-59. In the assessment, eight objective and four subjective elements should be collected and summarized for each person. Additionally, a problem list should be created, including four problems for both individuals, and three health promotion teaching opportunities suggested for one problem for each person.

To begin the assessment, it is important to choose an appropriate tool. One commonly used tool in nutritional assessment is the 24-hour dietary recall. This method involves conducting an interview with the individual to gather detailed information about their food and beverage intake over the past 24 hours. The information collected includes meal times, portion sizes, ingredients, and cooking methods. By obtaining this information, patterns of consumption and potential nutrient deficiencies can be identified.

In addition to the 24-hour dietary recall, other objective elements that can be collected include anthropometric measurements, such as height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). These measurements provide valuable insights into an individual’s growth and development. For the individual between the ages of 5-17 years, it is important to assess their growth velocity and compare it to growth charts specific to their age and gender. For the individual aged 21-59, BMI can be calculated to evaluate their weight status.

Subjective elements, on the other hand, involve gathering information directly from the individuals themselves or their caregivers. This can include information about the individual’s appetite, food preferences, and any dietary restrictions or allergies. Additionally, information about their physical activity level, occupation, and lifestyle choices can help to paint a more comprehensive picture of their nutritional status.

After collecting and summarizing the objective and subjective elements, it is crucial to create a problem list for each individual. This list should highlight the nutritional issues identified. For example, a potential problem for the individual between the ages of 5-17 years could be inadequate fruit and vegetable intake. This could be addressed by providing education on the importance of consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables and suggesting ways to incorporate them into meals and snacks.

For the individual aged 21-59, a potential problem could be excessive intake of processed foods high in sodium and unhealthy fats. Education on reading food labels, selecting healthier food choices, and practicing mindful eating can be effective in addressing this problem.

To further enhance the nutritional status and promote health, it is important to identify three health promotion teaching opportunities for one problem for each individual. For example, for the individual between the ages of 5-17 years with inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, teaching opportunities could include introducing them to new fruits and vegetables, involving them in meal planning and preparation, and promoting the importance of family meals.

For the individual aged 21-59 with excessive intake of processed foods, teaching opportunities could include understanding the impact of processed foods on health outcomes, developing meal planning skills to incorporate healthier options, and providing resources for finding nutritious recipes.

In conclusion, conducting a nutritional assessment is a valuable tool in evaluating an individual’s nutritional status and identifying potential problems. By collecting objective and subjective elements and creating a problem list, healthcare professionals can develop effective interventions to address the identified concerns. Additionally, suggesting health promotion teaching opportunities can further enhance the individual’s nutritional status and overall well-being.