Which of the following would best describe the intended outcome of a nutritional screening?

The primary purpose of a nutritional screening is to identify nutritional problems that may exist within an individual or a population. This process typically involves gathering information about dietary habits, medical history, and lifestyle factors to uncover any potential deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake. By pinpointing these issues early on, appropriate interventions can be implemented to improve health outcomes.

Nutritional screenings focus on evaluating how well a person's dietary intake meets their nutritional needs, making it vital for addressing issues like malnutrition, obesity, or other diet-related health concerns. Understanding these nutritional problems helps healthcare providers create personalized nutrition plans or recommend specific dietary adjustments to address the individual's needs effectively. In contrast, the other choices pertain to tasks that do not directly relate to identifying or assessing nutritional status or needs.