Did you know 20 % -50 % of hospitalized patients are at risk for malnutrition1 yet only 8 % of patients receive a diagnosis ? 2 This leaves many patients potentially untreated . When it comes to wounds , it ’ s no secret that a person ’ s nutrition status affects their wound healing . Nutrition screening is essential for all patients , but even more important for people with skin breakdown . That ’ s why it ’ s important to screen patients for malnutrition using a simple , validated , reliable screening tool . Examples include Mini Nutritional Assessment full version ( MNA ®) and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool ( MUST ). 3

If results of the screening indicate a person is at risk for malnutrition , a registered dietitian should conduct a comprehensive assessment and document factors such as patient ’ s food history , weight history , physical assessment , ability to eat independently , medical tests and procedures , and biochemical data .

Documentation is key to ensuring patients receive an individualized nutrition care plan as part of their wound care plan . Nutrition care plans include optimizing calories and protein to meet the patient ’ s needs . The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel ( NPIAP ) recommends protein intake of 1.2-1.5 g / kg body weight per day . 3 If dietary intake is inadequate , recommend oral nutritional supplements . Working with the patient to find a supplement they enjoy can ultimately improve adherence . Standard 8-ounce shakes , high concentrated liquid protein and proteinenhanced snacks like Gelatein ® all play a role in helping patients meet their individual protein needs . Prioritizing protein and calories as part of a wound care plan is part of a holistic approach to wound care resulting in better outcomes .

Reference 1 Barker , L . A ., Gout , B . S ., & Crowe , T . C . ( 2011 ). Hospital Malnutrition : prevalence , identification and impact on patients and the healthcare system . International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 8 ( 2 ), 514 – 527 . https :// doi . org / 10.3390 / ijerph8020514 2 Barrett ML , Bailey MK , Owens PL . Non-maternal and Non-neonatal Inpatient Stays in the United States Involving Malnutrition , 2016 . ONLINE . August 30 , 2018 . U . S . Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality . www . hcupus . ahrq . gov / reports . jsp . 3 National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel , Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers / Injuries : Clinical Practice Guideline . The International Guideline 2019

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