1. High risk disease (Yes = 2 points) - Is there an underlying illness with a risk of malnutrition* or expected major surgery?
- Subjective clinical assessment (1 point)
- Is the patient in a poor nutritional status judged by subjective clinical assessment (diminished subcutaneous fat and/or muscle mass and/or hollow face)?
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2. Nutritional intake and losses (Yes = 1 point) - Are one of the following items present?
- Excessive diarrhea (≥5 per day) and/or vomiting (>3 times/day) the last few days?
- Reduced food intake during the last few days before admission (not including fasting for an elective procedure or surgery)?
- Pre-existing dietetically advised nutritional intervention?
- Inability to consume adequate intake because of pain?
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3. Weight loss or poor weight gain? (Yes = 1 point) - Is there weight loss or no weight gain (infants <year) during the last few weeks/months?
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Interpretation: Risk for malnutrition and need for intervention (per Hulst et al, 2010) |
4 to 5 points | High risk | Consult doctor and dietician for full diagnosis and individual nutritional advice and follow-up. Start prescribing sip feeds until further diagnosis. |
1 to 3 points | Medium risk | Consult doctor for full diagnosis; consider nutritional intervention with dietician. Check weight twice a week and evaluate the nutritional risk after one week. |
0 points | Low risk | No intervention necessary. Check weight regularly per hospital policy, and evaluate the nutritional risk after one week. |