What would a nurse assess to monitor a patient’s nutritional status?

Monitoring a patient’s nutritional status is crucial for identifying any dietary deficiencies or imbalances that could affect overall health. Assessing dietary intake patterns provides insight into what and how much a patient is consuming, helping to identify possible deficiencies or excesses in their diet. Weight changes are significant indicators of nutritional health, as sudden weight loss or gain can signal underlying issues such as malnutrition or fluid retention. Additionally, laboratory values such as serum albumin, electrolytes, and other relevant tests provide objective data on a patient’s nutritional status and metabolic health, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding dietary needs and interventions.

The other options do not directly pertain to monitoring nutritional status. Blood pressure and heart rate assess cardiovascular health but do not provide specific information about nutritional adequacy. Similarly, evaluating muscle cramps and neurological symptoms may reveal underlying conditions but does not primarily focus on the nutritional status. Skin turgor and capillary refill time can indicate hydration status but are not direct measures of nutrition. Therefore, the assessment of dietary intake, weight changes, and lab values is the most comprehensive approach for evaluating a patient's nutritional status.