What does the SCREEN II tool assess?

• A. Nutrition risk with 17 questions and measures impact of community programs
• B. Hydration status and electrolyte balance
• C. Bone density and mineral status
• D. Daily caloric intake only

Answer: (A)

SCREEN II is a nutrition risk screening tool designed specifically for older adults. It uses 17 questions to look at a variety of factors that influence nutritional risk, including dietary intake, appetite, functional status, social support, access to food, and other health-related issues. The point of the tool is to identify individuals who are at risk for malnutrition so they can receive targeted nutrition education or interventions, often within community programs, and to help measure the impact of those programs over time.

This isn’t about hydration status or electrolyte balance, which would rely on fluid-related assessments or lab tests. It isn’t a test of bone density or mineral status, which require imaging or specific labs. And it isn’t limited to daily caloric intake alone; calories are part of the picture, but the tool covers a broader range of risk factors that can affect overall nutrition.