Category: Physical assessment

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a lack of vitamin D is the most common cause of rickets, the condition responsible for bowing of the legs and bone pain. When conducting a physical assessment of a patient, these specific findings are key indicators that a vitamin deficiency may be present and require further investigation.

The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) defines malnutrition as the presence of two or more clinical characteristics, which a nutrition focused physical exam can help uncover. This systematic assessment goes beyond weight checks to evaluate physical signs related to nutritional status.