Which statement about the SGA is true?

Which statement about the SGA is true?

• A. Relies on historical data and physical examination
• B. Only uses laboratory values
• C. Requires imaging studies
• D. Is not subjective

Answer: (A)

The statement that best describes the SGA is that it is a clinical tool based on historical data and physical examination. It uses information from the patient’s history—things like weight change, appetite, GI symptoms, and functional capacity—and a focused physical exam to categorize nutritional status. It does not rely on laboratory values or imaging studies, and it is inherently subjective, reflecting the clinician’s judgment about the available data. So, while labs and imaging can inform overall assessment, they are not part of the SGA scoring itself.

The statement that best describes the SGA is that it is a clinical tool based on historical data and physical examination. It uses information from the patient’s history—things like weight change, appetite, GI symptoms, and functional capacity—and a focused physical exam to categorize nutritional status. It does not rely on laboratory values or imaging studies, and it is inherently subjective, reflecting the clinician’s judgment about the available data. So, while labs and imaging can inform overall assessment, they are not part of the SGA scoring itself.