The Pre-Operative Nutrition Screen (PONS) Score can be used to evaluate a patient for nutritional status prior to surgery.
Patient selection: patient prior to elective surgery
Parameters:
(1) body mass index (BMI) and age
(2) unintended weight loss in the last 6 months
(3) dietary intake during the preceding week
(4) serum albumin in g/dL
Parameter
Finding
Points
BMI and age
<= 65 years, BMI < 18.5
1
<= 65 years, BMI >= 18.5
0
>= 65 years, BMI < 20
>= 65 years, BMI >= 20
unintended weight loss
< 10%
>= 10%
dietary intake
>= 50% of normal diet
< 50% of normal diet
serum albumin
>= 3.0 g/dL
< 3.0 g/dL
where:
• These measures indicate significant issues with nutrition. Less advanced cut-offs could be used.
total score =
= SUM(points for all of the parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 4
• If the score is >= 1 then the patient should have a nutritional assessment with intervention prior to surgery.
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Specialty: Anesthesiology, Surgery, general
