The Nutrition Care Process begins with nutrition assess- ment (1–3). Registered dietitians (RDs) gather the nutri- tion assessment data from the person or facility making the referral, the patient’s medical records, and the patient and family. Nutrition assessment is an ongoing process that involves not only initial data collection, but also reas- sessment and analysis of client data and needs.
INPATIENT VS OUTPATIENT SETTINGS
Depending on the setting in which you work as an RD, you will encounter patients with eating disorders in vary- ing stages of illness, recovery, and motivation to change. Accordingly, your role may change as a patient progresses through the continuum of care.
Inpatient
In a treatment center or hospital, a thorough nutrition assessment helps determine the care plan and the goals set by the treatment team. It should be performed as soon as is reasonable after admission. Medically unstable patients may require nutrition
support on an emergency basis before a thorough nutri- tion assessment can be performed, and patients who are
