Addressing Malnutrition in the Hospital: The Physician Nutrition Evaluation (non-CME)

Overview

Authors:

• Michael Rothkopf, MD, Sidney Kimmel Medical College
• Stephen McClave, MD, University of Louisville School of Medicine
• Robert Martindale, MD, PhD, Oregon Health and Science University
• Ryan Hurt, MD, PhD, Mayo Clinic

Malnutrition is a common condition, affecting up to 67% of hospitalized adults in the United States. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher readmission rates. Detecting and treating malnutrition has been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

This module reviews the fundamentals of the physician nutrition evaluation and the management of malnutrition.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this activity, learners will be able to:

• Identify the clinical issues involved with the physician nutritional evaluation, including determination of nutritional risk, assessment of nutritional status, and analysis of body composition;
• Calculate energy and protein needs and assess risk of refeeding syndrome;
• Describe which parameters should be monitored as nutritional therapy is initiated;
• Identify the limited value of certain traditional surrogate markers of nutritional status and adequacy of nutritional therapy.

To receive your course completion certificate, complete the interactive case study; review the clinical guidelines, references and resources; and take the Physician Nutrition Evaluation Quiz.