Ensuring adequate nutrition for adults in acute care settings

Nutrition is fundamental to human life and a comprehensive knowledge of the body's nutritional needs is crucial for enhancing health and promoting recovery. This article outlines principles of optimal nutrition relevant to nurses working with adults in acute care settings. It provides an overview of metabolism, energy expenditure, nutrients and malnutrition, discusses nutritional screening and explores nutrition impact symptoms commonly experienced by acute patients. The article also outlines the responsibilities of nurses in preventing or managing malnutrition in patients.