Dietetic Technician Practice Test

A nutrition screen must be completed by which of the following?

1. A registered dietitian (RD)

2. A registered dietetic technician (DTR)

3. A nurse

4. A trained health professional (not necessarily an RD or DTR)

The correct answer is: A trained health professional (not necessarily an RD or DTR)

A nutrition screen is a preliminary assessment carried out to identify individuals who may be at risk for malnutrition or other nutritional issues. The key aspect of a nutrition screening is that it can be performed by a trained health professional, which encompasses a wide range of professionals beyond just registered dietitians or dietetic technicians. The rationale for the correct answer is that a trained health professional can include nurses, social workers, or any healthcare provider equipped with the necessary skills to assess nutritional risk. This inclusivity is important because it allows for the identification of potential nutritional problems within various healthcare settings, ensuring that patients receive timely intervention regardless of the specific qualifications of the individual conducting the screening. While registered dietitians and dietetic technicians possess extensive knowledge in nutrition, the screening process itself does not require their specific expertise. Many healthcare delivery systems employ a team approach, allowing different professionals to contribute to the care process, thus broadening access to nutritional assessments and ensuring that potential issues are recognized early. In contrast, while a registered dietitian or a registered dietetic technician is certainly qualified to perform a nutrition screen, it is not a requirement for them to be the ones conducting it. Nurses, for instance, are often on the front lines in patient care and can effectively carry out