Nutritional assessment: indications and applications
Barrocas, A.; Bain, G.E.; Alonso, A.
Journal of the National Medical Association 72(5): 497-501
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0027-9684 PMID: 7381955 Document Number: 167947
The application of objective measures of protein and caloric compartments as well as immunocompetence reveal that approximately 50 percent of hospitalized patients are malnourished. The performance of a nutritional assessment, by a joint effort of hospital personnel, in patients with subclinical or early clinical malnutrition obviates potential complications through early institution of nutritional support. Prudent, logical decisions based on objective data can then be made regarding future patient care resulting in decreased hospitalization, and lower septic and mortality rates.