MDCalc

Perioperative Nutrition Screen (PONS)

Evaluates perioperative nutritional risk.

For patients >65 years of age, this tool intentionally uses the age-adjusted BMI cutoff of 20 kg/m².

Age, years

Unplanned weight loss >10% in past 6 months

Have been eating <50% of normal diet in preceding week

Albumin, g/dL

Result:

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Management


For any positive criteria:

  • The patient is considered at high nutrition risk.
  • Refer the patient to a registered dietitian for a comprehensive assessment and a perioperative nutrition plan, such as:
    • Minimizing or avoiding preoperative fasting.
    • Early postoperative feeding, when appropriate.
    • Preoperative and postoperative supplementation, such as
      • High-protein oral nutrition supplements.
      • Enteral nutrition for patients unable to meet daily needs orally.
      • Parenteral nutrition if enteral nutrition does not meet nutritional goals.

For more detailed recommendations, please see the ASER/POQI Joint Consensus Statement.

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