Two recent literature reviews identified nutritional screening and assessment tools available for use by nurses with all populations1 and with older adults.2 Of the 71 such tools found, 21 were developed specifically for use with older adults. Of these, the Mini Nutritional Assessment has been the most extensively investigated with regard to reliability and validity, and it has been validated with older adults in a variety of settings. The following summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of other geriatric nutrition assessment tools developed in the United States.

Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili, PhD, RN, CNSN

Peggi A. Guenter, PhD, RN, CNSN

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