In a PES statement, which option best mirrors the standard PES format?

• A. [Nutrition problem] related to ____ as evidenced by ____
• B. [Nutrition problem] related to ____ and evidenced by ____
• C. [Nutrition problem] due to ____ as evidenced by ____
• D. [Nutrition problem] associated with ____ as evidenced by ____

Answer: (A)

In a PES statement, the essential structure is a nutrition problem related to an etiology as evidenced by signs/symptoms. The best option fits this pattern exactly: it presents the nutrition problem, uses “related to” to connect the problem to its cause, and ends with “as evidenced by” the observable signs or data. This phrasing clearly shows the causal link and the concrete evidence supporting the diagnosis.

The other phrasings soften or alter the relationship. “Due to” implies a definitive cause rather than a stated etiology, which isn’t the standard PES wording. “And evidenced by” adds an extra conjunction and disrupts the typical flow. “Associated with” is weaker and not the conventional connector used to tie the problem to its etiology in PES statements.