Nutritional assessment of the hospitalized patient.

Nutritional assessment is essential for optimal care of the hospitalized patient. Clinical observation, certain anthropometric measurements, diet history and determination of serum albumin, total lymphocyte count and nitrogen balance are recommended. Serum albumin and the lymphocyte count are considered 'key" parameters which permit an instant assessment in emergency situations. An initial assessment should always be made on the basis of whatever pertinent information is available.