The Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) is a screening tool used to assess a patient's risk of malnutrition. It is widely used in clinical settings, particularly in hospitals and long-term care facilities, to identify patients who may require nutritional intervention or support. The NRI is calculated using the following formula: NRI = (1.519 × serum albumin, g/dL) + (41.7 × present weight/usual weight) The components of the formula are:

Serum albumin: A protein in the blood that can indicate nutritional status. Lower levels may suggest malnutrition. Present weight: The patient's current weight. Usual weight: The patient's typical or healthy weight.

The resulting NRI score is interpreted as follows:

NRI > 100: No nutritional risk NRI 97.5-100: Mild nutritional risk NRI 83.5-97.5: Moderate nutritional risk NRI < 83.5: Severe nutritional risk

Healthcare professionals use the NRI to:

Identify patients at risk of malnutrition early on. Prioritize patients who need nutritional support or intervention. Monitor the effectiveness of nutritional therapies over time. Predict clinical outcomes, as malnutrition is associated with longer hospital stays, increased complications, and higher mortality rates.

By routinely assessing patients' nutritional risk using the NRI, healthcare teams can proactively address malnutrition, improve patient outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs associated with malnutrition-related complications.