In the Nutrition Care Process, which step may also involve nursing staff participation?

In the Nutrition Care Process, the Assessment step is pivotal as it involves the systematic collection and analysis of nutrition-related data to identify the patient's nutritional status and needs. This step often necessitates the collaboration of various healthcare professionals, including nursing staff, who have direct interaction with the patient.

Nursing staff can play a crucial role in gathering essential data during the assessment phase. They can provide vital signs, report on the patient's consumption patterns, monitor biochemical data, and give insights based on their observations of the patient's overall condition and dietary habits. Their close contact with patients allows them to note changes that may not be immediately evident from clinical measurements or dietary records alone.

Moreover, a thorough assessment requires a comprehensive understanding of the patient's medical history, physical and psychosocial factors, and dietary needs, which is enriched through interdisciplinary cooperation. Therefore, the involvement of nursing staff in this stage enhances the accuracy and depth of the nutritional assessment, setting a solid foundation for the subsequent steps in the Nutrition Care Process.