CNSC key terms

A structured head-to-toe assessment of physical signs such as muscle wasting, subcutaneous fat loss, edema, and skin or hair changes, used with history and intake data to support a nutrition diagnosis.

A validated bedside tool that classifies nutritional status as well nourished or mildly, moderately, or severely malnourished using weight change, dietary intake, GI symptoms, functional capacity, disease burden, and physical exam.

The consensus indicators used to diagnose adult malnutrition: insufficient energy intake, weight loss, loss of muscle or fat, fluid accumulation, and reduced handgrip strength, with at least two characteristics required for diagnosis.

A measure of maximal voluntary grip force using a calibrated dynamometer, used as a proxy for peripheral muscle strength and as one supportive characteristic in diagnosing malnutrition.

Age-related or disease-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength that impairs physical function and raises risk of falls, disability, and poor clinical outcomes, often coexisting with obesity.

A method estimating body composition by passing a low-level alternating current through the body and measuring impedance, which reflects total body water and, by prediction equations, fat-free mass.

Measurement of body size and proportions, including weight, height, body mass index, waist and mid-arm circumference, and skinfold thickness, compared against reference standards to assess nutritional status.

Weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, used to screen for underweight and obesity; interpreted cautiously in edema, ascites, amputation, and highly muscular individuals.

A reference weight derived from height and sex formulas, often adjusted for amputation or used to set energy and protein targets when actual weight is unreliable due to fluid overload.

An interview method in which a patient reports everything consumed in the previous 24 hours, valued for low respondent burden but limited by reliance on memory and day-to-day variability.

A structured survey asking how often and in what amounts a person consumes listed foods over a defined period, useful for ranking habitual intake but dependent on memory and fixed food lists.

A prospective record in which the amount of food and beverage actually consumed at meals is documented and converted to energy and protein totals, commonly used in hospitalized patients.

A standardized statement of a specific nutrition problem, its etiology, and signs or symptoms, written in problem-etiology-signs format and labeled using approved terminology such as inadequate oral intake.

A systematic four-step framework for dietetics practice: nutrition assessment, nutrition diagnosis, nutrition intervention, and nutrition monitoring and evaluation, with documentation and communication throughout.

The fourth step of the nutrition care process, in which selected indicators and criteria are measured over time to determine whether nutrition goals are being met and the plan needs revision.

Delivery of liquid formula nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract by tube, used when oral intake is inadequate or unsafe but the gut is functional and accessible.

Intravenous administration of nutrients including dextrose, amino acids, lipids, electrolytes, vitamins, and trace elements, used when the gastrointestinal tract cannot be used or fails to absorb adequately.

A potentially fatal shift of electrolytes, especially phosphate, potassium, and magnesium, after reintroducing nutrition to a malnourished patient, requiring gradual calorie advancement and electrolyte monitoring.

Serum phosphate below the reference range, the hallmark biochemical finding in refeeding syndrome, which can cause weakness, respiratory failure, arrhythmias, and rhabdomyolysis.

Serial measurement of serum sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphate, and related values during nutrition support, with replacement protocols to prevent and treat deficiencies and refeeding complications.

The likelihood that gastric or oral contents will enter the airway, influenced by level of consciousness, positioning, swallowing function, and tube location, and a key driver of feeding decisions.

The volume aspirated from a gastric feeding tube at a check, used with clinical signs to assess tolerance; routine large-volume withholding is no longer recommended because it does not prevent aspiration.

A primary bloodstream infection attributable to a central venous catheter, a serious complication of parenteral nutrition that is reduced by aseptic technique, dedicated lumens, and catheter care bundles.

Infusing parenteral nutrition over part of the day, typically overnight, rather than continuously, which allows mobility and may improve liver tolerance in stable patients.

Enteral formula with modified carbohydrate type and amount, higher monounsaturated fat, and added fiber, designed to blunt postprandial glucose excursions in patients with hyperglycemia.

Management of blood glucose within target ranges through insulin, carbohydrate delivery, and monitoring, important during nutrition support because both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia worsen outcomes.

Localized damage to skin and underlying tissue over a bony prominence from pressure and shear, associated with malnutrition, immobility, moisture, and inadequate protein and energy intake.

Provision of adequate energy, high protein, vitamin C, zinc, and fluid to support tissue repair, while avoiding overfeeding, in patients with pressure injuries, burns, or surgical wounds.

A rapid process at admission or first contact to identify patients who are malnourished or at risk, triggering a referral for full nutrition assessment by a qualified professional.

A comprehensive collection and interpretation of anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, dietary, and food-security data used to identify nutrition problems and guide intervention decisions.

A group of professionals from different disciplines, such as physicians, dietitians, nurses, and pharmacists, who collaborate on shared patient goals and coordinated nutrition care plans.

A specialized multidisciplinary group that evaluates, prescribes, and monitors enteral and parenteral nutrition, reducing complications and costs through standardized protocols and consultation.

An ongoing, data-driven cycle of planning, implementing, measuring, and revising processes to improve care quality, often using indicators such as screening completion or tube placement accuracy.

Comparing an organization's performance indicators against internal targets or external peers to identify gaps and prioritize improvement work in nutrition care delivery.

The range of duties, decisions, and activities a professional is legally and ethically permitted to perform, defined by law, regulation, and professional standards.

Professionally established expectations for competent dietetics practice, describing processes such as assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation that practitioners are expected to follow.

A formal set of principles guiding professional conduct, including competence, integrity, confidentiality, and avoidance of conflicts of interest, with obligations to patients, colleagues, and the public.

A patient's voluntary agreement to a proposed intervention after receiving understandable information about its purpose, benefits, risks, and alternatives, documented according to policy.

Integrating the best available research evidence with professional expertise and patient values and preferences to make decisions about nutrition care for an individual or population.

The ability to understand and respectfully adapt care to patients' cultural beliefs, food practices, language, and health literacy, improving trust, communication, and adherence to nutrition plans.