Category: Patient management

Recent clinical evidence suggests that underfeeding, specifically permissive underfeeding, may be tolerated during the acute phase of critical illness and potentially improve outcomes compared to aggressive, standard feeding protocols. This approach intentionally delivers fewer calories than estimated requirements.

Malnutrition affects a significant portion of hospitalized patients, with studies reporting prevalence rates of over 40% in some regions. Nurses play a central and indispensable role in combating this issue by performing a wide array of functions that support, monitor, and manage a patient's nutritional status throughout their care journey.

According to the World Health Organization, inherited hemoglobin disorders affect hundreds of thousands of births annually, with thalassemia being a significant contributor. For those with the condition, understanding what worsens thalassemia is crucial for mitigating complications and improving overall quality of life.

According to the World Health Organization, severe malnutrition affects millions of children globally, making effective intervention a critical nursing responsibility. A nurse's role is to manage and monitor a patient's nutritional recovery, especially for those suffering from protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), through careful planning and implementation of therapeutic strategies.

According to research, around 10-15% of critically ill patients are unable to receive adequate nutrients through the gut, making them candidates for parenteral nutrition (PN). This intravenous feeding method is vital for those with non-functional gastrointestinal tracts, severe malabsorption, or other conditions preventing oral or enteral feeding.

Malnutrition is a serious issue that affects a large number of patients, especially those who are hospitalized or critically ill. A nurse's vigilance and expertise are vital for identifying and managing these issues, and understanding the complete and multifaceted role of the nurse in nutritional problems is key to positive patient outcomes.

According to research published on the NCBI Bookshelf, the provision of optimal enteral nutrition is best achieved through an interprofessional team approach involving a physician, nurse, clinical pharmacist, and dietitian. So, who prescribes enteral nutrition? While physicians oversee the overall medical plan, a team of specialists collaborates to determine, prescribe, and manage the patient's nutritional needs.

Studies show that timely nutritional intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes, especially when oral or enteral intake is compromised. Understanding precisely when to initiate PPN (peripheral parenteral nutrition) is a crucial clinical decision for providing effective short-term intravenous support without unnecessary risks.

Malnutrition is a common complication in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), affecting a significant percentage of patients and leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates. Early identification of this risk through specialized nutrition screening tools for ICU patients is essential for guiding targeted nutritional interventions and improving overall patient outcomes.

According to the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN), it is estimated that over 3 million people in the UK are either malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) is the designated five-step screening tool with clear management guidelines to address this issue effectively in adult populations.