Nutrition
When a wound is brought to your attention, your focus may be on wound care, dressings, and supportive surfaces. Remember that nutrition is a key component in preventing wounds from developing and is crucial to wound healing. Proper nutrition promotes immunocompetence, thus protecting wounds from becoming infected. Adequate nutrition for pressure ulcer prevention and wound healing includes calories, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fluids. Proper nutrition promotes immunocompetence.
What can we do?
Nutrition is a component of wound healing which Wound Team does not treat directly. We can, however, inquire as to how nutrition is being addressed, if the patient can eat orally, is receiving enteral nutrition, or if he/she qualifies for Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN).
In the out patient clinic we can encourage patients and their parents to eat healthy, well-balanced meals and to consider an over-the-counter nutritional supplement.
Nutrition is a component of wound healing which Wound Team does not treat directly. We can, however, inquire as to how nutrition is being addressed, if the patient can eat orally, is receiving enteral nutrition, or if he/she qualifies for Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN).
In the out patient clinic we can encourage patients and their parents to eat healthy, well-balanced meals and to consider an over-the-counter nutritional supplement.
Malnutrition:
Enteral nutrition:
Parenteral Nutrition
If a patient is malnourished and unable to maintain adequate calories, enteral nutrition should be considered. If the patient is not a candidate for enteral nutrition, the option of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and Lipids should be addressed. Enteral formulas, as well as TPN provide adequate calories, macro,- and micro- nutrients the body needs, as well as fluid for hydration. |
Macronutrients - proteins, fats, and carbohydrates - provide calories. Micronutrients, such as Vitamins A and C, iron, zinc, copper, and maganese are necessary for the body to repair. Water provides for proper cell and organ functioning.
Macronutrients
For treatment of pressure ulcers, caloric intake of proteins and fats depends upon the stage of the pressure ulcer. That is not true of carbohydrates.Stage III and IV PU's will require higher intake than stage I and II PU's.
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Micronutrients
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