• During the intake history, the clinician can ask a variety of questions.1 These should be designed in order to gather an initial impression of the patient’s nutritional status, caloric intake, appetite, and gastrointestinal and physiological functioning.

• Suggested questions include asking patients if they have noticed any weight loss or changes in appetite. They should also be asked about any change in bowel function, such as the development of diarrhea.

• Inquiries should also be made regarding the patient’s quality of life. For example, are they feeling weaker and more fatigued than is normal for them? Have they noticed any trouble getting around or performing activities of daily living? These questions, and others, will assist the clinician in obtaining an initial clinical impression.

Reference:

1. Treatment Guidelines for HIV-Associated Wasting, Consensus Development Panel Meeting, New York, NY; July 26, 2000.