Dietetic Technician how-to

How to Screen a Patient for Malnutrition

Early screening prevents complications.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Early screening prevents complications. In short: review; ask; check, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Review weight history.

  2. Ask about appetite.

  3. Check food intake.

  4. Review diagnoses.

  5. Score the screening tool.

  6. Refer high-risk patients to the dietitian.

Safety reminders for dietetic technicians

  • Follow food allergy protocols
  • Use food safety practices
  • Check diet orders carefully
  • Protect patient privacy

Nutrition screening · Therapeutic diet · Diet order · Calorie count · NPO · Texture-modified diet: see the full dietetic technician glossary.

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