Advanced Nutrition Skills Lab: Utilizing Computed Tomography, Bedside Ultrasound, and Indirect Calorimetry in Clinical Practice (SU43)

Traditional bedside nutrition assessment often lacks the objectivity required to detect subtle changes in muscle mass and metabolic needs. Advanced objective tools, including bedside ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and indirect calorimetry (IC), offer reliable, repeatable measurements that allow clinicians to precisely diagnose malnutrition, tailor nutrition support, and preserve lean tissue across the lifespan. In this interactive, station-based skills lab, participants will gain hands-on training in both adult and pediatric advanced assessment techniques. Learners will rotate through practical stations to practice US image acquisition, analyze CT scans for muscle and adipose tissue metrics, and evaluate IC case scenarios to optimize energy prescriptions and navigate complex clinical conditions.

• Perform hands-on bedside ultrasound to accurately identify anatomical landmarks, manage tissue compression, and acquire high-quality muscle and fat images in adult and pediatric patient profiles.
• Analyze CT scan metrics by identifying specific vertebral levels, differentiating body composition tissues, and applying established thresholds to interpret skeletal muscle and adipose tissue areas and densities.
• Evaluate IC clinical data to calculate accurate energy expenditure, troubleshoot testing challenges, and navigate absolute and relative contraindications.
• Integrate objective assessment tools into clinical practice to enhance bedside malnutrition diagnosis, tailor individualized nutrition prescriptions, and monitor physical function changes.