Dietetic Technician Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of nutrition screening?

1. Identifying risk factors known to be associated with nutritional issues

2. Identifying individuals who are malnourished

3. Assessing body mass index

4. Identifying individuals who require a full nutrition assessment

The correct answer is: Assessing body mass index

The purpose of nutrition screening is primarily focused on quickly evaluating an individual’s risk for nutritional issues, detecting malnutrition, and determining whether further, more comprehensive nutrition assessments are necessary. When considering the answer that the assessment of body mass index (BMI) is not a purpose of nutrition screening, it's important to understand that while BMI can be an important measurement in understanding a person’s nutritional status, it is not the central aim of screening processes. Nutrition screening is more about flagging individuals who may have nutritional concerns and need further investigation rather than providing detailed metrics that are typically measured in subsequent assessments. Consequently, the screening process looks for broader indicators and risk factors that warrant further evaluation, rather than specifically measuring body mass index alone.