Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam Video and Study Guide

The video and study guide are to assist RDNs in becoming competent and confident in performing nutrition-focused physical exam (NFPE) during the nutrition assessment. The video uses hospitalized patients to present a real-life presentation of performing the NFPE. The study guide provides complimentary information for the RDN to use when interpreting findings of the comprehensive nutrition assessment.

Topics included in this video:

• Examination Tools and Techniques
• Nutrition Physical Examination – A Systems Approach
• Cardiopulmonary Assessment
• Abdominal Assessment
• Neuromuscular Assessment
• Oral Assessment
• Skin Assessment
• Examination of Muscle and Fat Loss 

Learning Objectives

1. State the purpose of performing a nutrition focused physical examination
2. List and understand how to perform the basic techniques in an NFPE.
3. Identify physical signs and symptoms associated with interpreting current nutritional status, including diagnosis of malnutrition, and determining when further nutrition intervention is warranted.