What is the primary purpose of nutritional screening?

• A. To monitor nutrition status over time.
• B. To implement tailored nutrition interventions.
• C. To identify individuals at risk for nutrition problems.
• D. To diagnose all existing nutrition problems.

Answer: (C)

Nutritional screening is a quick, initial check designed to flag people who may be at risk for nutrition problems. Its primary purpose is to identify individuals who could benefit from a more detailed nutrition assessment and appropriate follow-up care. It’s not meant to monitor a person’s nutrition status over time or diagnose all existing nutrition problems, and it doesn’t itself implement tailored interventions. Those steps—full assessment, diagnosis, and intervention—come after someone is identified as at risk.