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What is the first step in the nutrition care process?

  1. Nutrition assessment

  2. Nutrition diagnosis

  3. Nutrition screening or referral

  4. Nutrition intervention

The correct answer is: Nutrition screening or referral

The first step in the nutrition care process is nutrition screening or referral. This step is crucial because it involves identifying individuals who may be at risk for nutrition-related problems or who may benefit from further nutrition assessment. Screening typically uses standardized tools or criteria to quickly evaluate an individual's nutritional status and risk factors. Engaging in nutrition screening allows healthcare professionals to efficiently prioritize which patients require immediate attention, facilitating timely interventions. If a patient is identified as being at risk, they can then be referred for a more comprehensive nutrition assessment to determine specific needs and develop tailored nutrition interventions. This proactive approach ensures that individuals receive appropriate care before issues become more serious, supporting optimal health outcomes.