The nutrition care process is the systematic approach used by registered dietitians and other healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and monitor a patient's nutritional needs. The goals of the nutrition care process are to improve patient outcomes, optimize nutrient intake, and promote health and well-being.
Assessment
The first step in the nutrition care process is assessment. In this stage, a comprehensive nutritional assessment is performed to identify existing nutrition-related problems and health risks. This assessment uses a combination of physical exam, nutrition history, laboratory data, and anthropometric measurements.
Diagnosis
The second step of the nutrition care process is diagnosis. After assessing the patient's nutrition status, a nutrition diagnosis is developed which describes the patient's nutrition-related problems and health risks. The diagnosis should also include an explanation of the cause and extent of the problem.
Planning
The third step of the nutrition care process is planning. In this stage, a nutrition intervention plan is developed to address the patient's nutrition-related problems and health risks. This plan should include specific goals, strategies, and outcomes that are to be accomplished.
Implementation
The fourth step of the nutrition care process is implementation. In this stage, the nutrition intervention plan is put into action. This includes providing the patient with nutrition education, counseling, and other services related to their nutrition-related problems and health risks.
Monitoring
The fifth and final step of the nutrition care process is monitoring. This involves evaluating the patient's progress towards achieving their nutrition-related goals and making adjustments to the nutrition intervention plan as needed.