Nutritional screening for the elderly: a CNS role

Detection and treatment of nutritional disorders has surfaced as a major health concern for older persons. This article explores how one clinical nurse specialist (CNS) used advanced practice knowledge and skills to develop a nutritional screening program for an elderly population served by a nursing clinic. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of risk factors for poor nutritional status in these elderly clients according to the Nutritional Screening Initiative. Eighty-two percent of the clients in the study presented with two or more risk factors for poor nutritional status. Therefore, a proposal was developed for a standardized screening and treatment program.