Nutrition Options in Critical Care Unit Patients

Critically ill patients have increased metabolic requirements and must rely on the administration of nutritional therapy to meet those demands. Yet, according to research almost half of all hospitalized patients are not fed, are underfed, or are malnourished while in the hospital. This article demonstrates the importance of early feedings in critical care unit, and the available options open to nurses supporting initiation and management of early feedings. Enteral nutrition has proven to be an important therapeutic strategy for improving the outcomes of critically ill patients and the critical care nurse plays an integral role in their success.