What is a key method for a nurse to assess a patient’s nutritional status?

Evaluating dietary intake is a key method for assessing a patient's nutritional status because it directly involves understanding what the patient is consuming in terms of food and beverages. This assessment helps to identify dietary patterns, evaluate the adequacy of nutrient intake, and detect any deficiencies that could impact the patient's overall health. By analyzing the types, quantities, and frequency of food and drink consumed, nurses can gain valuable insights into the nutritional quality of the patient's diet, which is crucial for planning appropriate interventions and dietary modifications.

Other methods, such as conducting a patient interview, while important for gathering qualitative data about the patient's habits and preferences, may not provide specific quantitative measures of nutritional status. Measuring blood pressure is relevant for assessing cardiovascular health but does not directly indicate nutritional status. Similarly, reviewing medication history can identify potential interactions with nutrients or dietary concerns but does not directly reflect what the patient is actually consuming. Thus, evaluating dietary intake stands out as the most direct and effective way to assess nutritional status.