Appropriate use of assessment tools, eff ective interviewing methods, and clear organization of data collected contribute to the usefulness of the assessment.8
T e use of standard terminology enhances com-
munication with other members of the team. All assessment data must be carefully recorded and dated and results communicated in a timely fashion. T e experienced RDN will be able to diff erentiate between data that are pertinent to the situation and
that which are not. For example, not all athletes will require anthropometric measurements beyond height and weight. In a healthy athlete, a complete biochemical workup may not be warranted. Conversely, the RDN may need to contact the physician or other provider to request additional tests if a specifi c con- cern exists. Athletes with an underlying health concern, such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes, celiac disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, or other disorder, will require more testing to determine appropriate dietary modifi cations. A complete discussion of medical nutrition assessment is beyond the scope of this chapter. Diabetes and exercise is thoroughly discussed in Chapter 19. T e sports RDN will benefi t from having an understanding of the logistics of an athlete’s sport. It is important to understand the requirements of weight-class sports, periodized training protocols, and the strength, speed, and endurance needs of each athlete. Aſt er the RDN conducts a complete nutrition assessment of an athlete, the resulting nutrition diag- noses will provide the basis on which the intervention will be made. Periodic reassessment will determine whether alterations in the nutrition intervention are required.