Nutritional assessment of the patient in the intensive care unit.

Early identification and treatment of malnutrition in hospitalized patients remain important aspects of care, especially in critically ill patients. Thorough knowledge of a patient's nutritional history, physical assessment and clinical laboratory findings are critical in order to accurately determine the degree of malnutrition, if present, as well as metabolic energy needs. The nurse plays a vital role in gathering this valuable clinical information. Although there is no single test to determine malnutrition, the utilization of a complete nutritional assessment is the best tool to properly identify and treat malnutrition.