A.  Practice Behavior Skills and Attitudes Across the Curriculum
A.1 Practice Behavior Skills Across the Curriculum

History

Take an appropriate patient medical history, including family, social, nutritional/dietary, physical activity, and weight histories; use of prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, dietary and herbal supplements; and consumption of alcohol and other recreational drugs.

Physical

Conduct an appropriate physical examination, including anthropometrics, evaluation of growth and development and signs of nutritional deficiency or excess.

Test Selection

Select and interpret the results of screening measures, laboratory tests, and diagnostic procedures appropriate to assess and manage a patient’s nutrition.

Evaluation

Evaluate a patient’s diet and current nutritional status based on the USDA Food Guide Pyramid.  Identify individuals who require  medical nutritional therapy and lifestyle modification. Integrate nutritional assessment information into an individualized nutritional management and physical activity plan for optimal health, risk factor reduction and common medical problems.

Counseling

Effectively counsel patients to make informed nutritional decisions consistent with adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and with establishing appropriate dietary, exercise and behavioral goals. Effectively communicate with patients in a culturally competent manner to provide accurate nutritional information and dispel misinformation. Employ effective counseling techniques matched to the patient’s level of motivation and readiness for change, encouraging the use of goal setting, identification of barriers, problem solving, self-monitoring, self-reinforcement, and stimulus control.

Consultation and Referral

Consult with or refer to a registered dietitian or other credentialed healthcare professionals and refer to community nutrition resources as appropriate.