Free PES Statement Generator
Build compliant IDNT nutrition diagnoses for ADIME documentation. Problem, Etiology, Signs/Symptoms — ready to copy into your EHR or patient chart.
1. Problem domain
2. Problem
3. Etiology (related to...)
Choose something a nutrition intervention can address. Leave blank to use the dropdown.
4. Signs & symptoms (as evidenced by...)
Include specific, measurable evidence: intake data, labs, anthropometrics, clinical observations.
Example of a well-formed PES statement
Inadequate protein intake (NI-5.7.1) related to knowledge deficit about post-operative protein requirements as evidenced by 24-hour recall showing 45 g protein (target 90 g) and unintentional 3.2 kg weight loss over 4 weeks post-bariatric surgery.
Tips for strong PES statements
- • Problem should be an IDNT term, not a medical diagnosis ("inadequate protein intake" not "malnutrition").
- • Etiology must be addressable by nutrition intervention — this is your intervention target.
- • Signs/symptoms should be specific and measurable — quote values, dates and sources.
- • Apply the "so what" test — does the statement justify why a dietitian should intervene?
References & sources
- [1]Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology (IDNT) Reference Manual: Standardized Language for the Nutrition Care Process. Current edition.
- [2]Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. eNCPT: Electronic Nutrition Care Process Terminology.
- [3]Writing Group of the Nutrition Care Process/Standardized Language Committee. Nutrition care process and model part I: the 2008 update. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108(7):1113-1117.
- [4]Writing Group of the Nutrition Care Process/Standardized Language Committee. Nutrition care process part II: using the International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology to document the nutrition care process. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108(8):1287-1293.
- [5]Swan WI, Vivanti A, Hakel-Smith NA, et al. Nutrition Care Process and Model Update: Toward Realizing People-Centered Care and Outcomes Management. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2017;117(12):2003-2014.
Medical disclaimer
This tool is an educational drafting aid, not a substitute for the official Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics IDNT Reference Manual or eNCPT database, which are updated regularly and remain the authoritative source for clinical documentation. The condensed problem list here covers common nutrition diagnoses but is not exhaustive. For clinical charting, always reference your current IDNT manual, your organisation's documentation standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Related Tools
Perguntas Frequentes
What is a PES statement?
A PES statement is the standardised nutrition diagnosis format used in the Nutrition Care Process (NCP). It combines the Problem (standardised IDNT term), the Etiology (root cause), and the Signs/Symptoms (measurable evidence) into a single structured sentence. PES statements are part of the A-D-I-M-E charting format used by registered dietitians.
What makes a good PES statement?
Four criteria: (1) the Problem is a specific IDNT term, not a medical diagnosis; (2) the Etiology is something a nutrition intervention can address; (3) the Signs/Symptoms are objective and measurable; and (4) the whole statement passes the "so what" test — it clearly justifies why a dietitian should intervene.
Is this a substitute for AND's official IDNT reference?
No. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics publishes and updates the full International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology (IDNT) reference manual and the eNCPT database. This tool includes the most common problem codes for educational use and quick drafting. Always consult the current official IDNT reference for clinical documentation.
Can I use this in my EHR or patient charts?
The generated statement uses standard IDNT wording and can be pasted into most EHR text fields. However, many EHRs (including Kalix and Nutrium) have built-in IDNT pickers that integrate with their ADIME templates. Use this tool for training, drafting, or when your EHR does not have native IDNT support.
How is this different from a medical diagnosis?
A nutrition diagnosis is not a medical diagnosis. Medical diagnoses (e.g. "type 2 diabetes") are made by physicians and rarely change. Nutrition diagnoses describe a specific nutrition-related problem (e.g. "inconsistent carbohydrate intake") that a dietitian can resolve through intervention, and they change as the patient progresses.