Approach to Acquired Malnutrition in the Hospitalized Patient with Respiratory and Critical Illness

Publication date: October 2017 Source:Hospital Medicine Clinics, Volume 6, Issue 4 Author(s): Elena Kret-Sudjian, Nicholas Kenyon, Mithu MollaTeaser The significance of malnutrition in the hospitalized patient with respiratory and critical Illness cannot be overstated. It results in impaired functionality and delayed weaning from the ventilator, increased morbidity and mortality, and longer hospital stay with increased risk for readmission. To diagnose and treat malnourished patients, hospitalists must collaborate with the dietitian, pharmacist, and nurse. Delivering early nutrition to the intensive care unit patient primarily by the enteral route may reduce disease severity, diminish complications, and favorably impact patient outcomes. Parenteral nutrition is indicated when tube feeding is not medically feasible. Immune-modulating nutrients are not recommended for routine use in critically ill medical patients.
Source: Hospital Medicine Clinics - Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research