Kirkland and Shaughnessy identified a number of risk factors for nosocomial malnutrition. A patient in the hospital may encounter additional factors that may contribute to nutritional deficits. The authors are from Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Mayo Clinic and Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Nosocomial malnutrition is the onset or worsening of malnutrition while in a health facility.
Risk factors for malnutrition:
(1) acute hypermetabolic state (infection, surgery, critical illness, etc)
(2) chronic disease(s)
(3) nothing by mouth in preparation for procedures or studies
(4) mechanical ventilation and post-extubation period
(5) side effects of medications (anorexia, nausea)
(6) prolonged hospital stay
(7) significant loss of blood or body fluids
(8) difficulty eating (dysphagia, etc)
Failures:
(1) failing to screen for malnutrition
(2) failing to monitor daily caloric intake
(3) delay or failure in the initiation of nutritional support
(4) failure to ask for a dietician consult
