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.

Nutritional assessment is a crucial aspect of healthcare that helps evaluate a person’s nutritional status and identify any deficiencies or potential problems. In this assignment, we will conduct a nutritional assessment on two members of a selected family, one between the ages of 5-17 years and the other aged 21-59 years. The purpose of this assessment is to collect objective and subjective data about their current nutritional status, identify potential problems, and suggest health promotion teaching opportunities.

To conduct the nutritional assessment, we will use a tool called the 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. This tool involves asking the individuals about their food and beverage intake over the past 24 hours. It provides a snapshot of their typical dietary habits and allows us to assess the adequacy or deficiency of their nutrient intake.

Person 1: Age 5-17 years
Objective Elements:
1. Weight: The child’s weight should be measured using a calibrated scale. It provides an indication of whether the child’s weight is within the appropriate range for their age and height.
2. Height: Height can be measured using a stadiometer. It helps determine if the child’s growth is within normal limits for their age and gender.
3. Body Mass Index (BMI): Calculated using the formula BMI = weight (kg) / height (m^2). It provides an estimate of the child’s body fatness and can be compared to age-specific BMI percentiles.
4. Dietary intake: Using the 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire, we can assess the child’s intake of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).

Subjective Elements:
1. Food preferences: We can ask the child about their food preferences, dislikes, or any specific dietary restrictions.
2. Appetite: Inquire about the child’s appetite, whether they feel hungry, satisfied, or experience any changes in appetite.
3. Eating habits: Ask about the frequency and portion sizes of meals and snacks the child consumes throughout the day.
4. Any gastrointestinal symptoms: Inquire about any digestive complaints such as abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in bowel movements.

Based on the collected data, we can identify actual or potential problems. Some examples include inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables, excessive consumption of sugary snacks or beverages, poor weight gain or growth, and signs of nutrient deficiencies.

For one of the identified problems, such as inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables, we can suggest the following health promotion teaching opportunities:
1. Encourage the child to choose a variety of fruits and vegetables in different colors to ensure a wide range of nutrients.
2. Provide information about creative ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables into meals and snacks, such as smoothies, salads, and vegetable-based soups.
3. Discuss the importance of limiting sugary drinks and snacks and replacing them with healthier alternatives like water, milk, or unsweetened fruit juices.

Person 2: Age 21-59 years
Objective Elements:
1. Weight: Measure the individual’s weight using a calibrated scale to determine if it falls within a healthy range for their height.
2. Height: Use a stadiometer to measure height and assess whether it is within the expected range for their age and gender.
3. BMI: Calculate BMI using the formula BMI = weight (kg) / height (m^2) to evaluate body fatness.

Subjective Elements:
1. Dietary intake: Collect information about the person’s food choices, portion sizes, and frequency of meals and snacks using the 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire.
2. Food preferences: Inquire about any specific dietary preferences, dislikes, or restrictions the individual may have.
3. Appetite: Ask about changes in appetite, feelings of hunger or fullness, and any factors that may affect eating patterns (e.g., stress, emotional factors).
4. Gastrointestinal symptoms: Assess for any gastrointestinal problems such as heartburn, indigestion, or changes in bowel movements.

Based on the data collected, potential problems can be identified, such as inadequate intake of fiber, excessive intake of processed foods, overweight or obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies.

For one of the identified problems, like inadequate intake of fiber, potential health promotion teaching opportunities could include:
1. Educating the individual about the benefits of consuming fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes for healthy digestion and weight management.
2. Providing practical tips on how to increase fiber intake, such as swapping refined grains for whole grains, including more fruits and vegetables in meals, and incorporating legumes into recipes.
3. Discussing the importance of drinking adequate water to prevent constipation and optimize the benefits of dietary fiber.

In conclusion, conducting a nutritional assessment using the 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire allows us to collect objective and subjective data about individuals’ nutritional status. By summarizing at least 8 objective and 4 subjective elements for each person, we can identify actual or potential problems and suggest health promotion teaching opportunities.