This essay will evaluate the evidence base for the importance of patient nutrition within adult nursing. As stated within the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) code (2015) nurses must “deliver the fundamentals of care effectively”. This refers to the integral components of nursing, for instance nutrition and hydration, being monitored and kept to adequate levels as it can improve a patient’s overall recovery, as discussed by Brady, McCabe and McCann (2013). This essay will cover the methods used to assess and maintain nutrition, the importance of nutrition and the consequences of malnutrition.
Evidence-based practice involves the use of the best evidence available to “justify the rationales for practice” as stated by Dougherty, Lister and …show more content…
A balanced diet that contains all the necessary nutrients will provide energy to individuals, as well as aid the regulation of body processes which is also known as homeostasis as described by Iggulden, MacDonald and Staniland (2009). As identified by Webb (2012) scientific research has allowed healthcare professionals to ensure individuals receive the correct ratio of macronutrients and micronutrients in their diets. Webb (2012) states that macronutrients include “carbohydrates, fats and protein” and are needed in higher quantities in comparison to micronutrients which include vitamins and minerals. The Eatwell guide provides individuals with further guidance regarding the types and quantities of food that is recommended by professionals, in order to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. It is endorsed by the British Heart Foundation (2016) and it states at least five portions of fruit and vegetables should be eaten per day, to make up just over a third of your food intake per day. Additionally, starchy carbohydrates should make up just over a third of an individual’s food intake per day. Dairy, protein and oils and spreads are also necessary for excellent nutrition and as the British Heart Foundation recognise, unsaturated fats are healthier in comparison to saturated fats as they …show more content…
The obesity epidemic is a result of poor diet and a lack of physical exercise, as argued by Lutz, Mazur and Litch (2014). Age UK (2017) discovered that there is an estimate of three million malnourished individuals within the United Kingdom, with over one million of these individuals being over age sixty-five as of 2016. The Royal College of Nursing (2017) show that signs of malnutrition can include poor levels of concentration as well as respiratory problems and an increased risk of infection. Obesity is a result of the increased intake of energy and a decreased level of exercise, stated by Waugh and Grant (2014). Malnutrition results from an unbalanced intake of nutrients, claimed by Knudsen (2012). As Waugh and Grant (2014) discuss, obesity and malnourishment are common in older adults and obesity can have severe effects on a patient's health. Adults classed as obese can be predisposed to pressure ulcers which may take longer heal if additional care is not taken as stated by Cai, Rahman and Intrator (2013). The Mayo Clinic (2017) state that pressure ulcers, if left untreated, can result in a painful skin infection named cellulitis. However, patients with damaged nerves may not possess the ability to identify when they are experiencing pain which means it is vital that nurses are regularly checking for pressure ulcers in obese patients with reduced mobility. Another symptom resulting from
Evidence-based practice involves the use of the best evidence available to “justify the rationales for practice” as stated by Dougherty, Lister and …show more content…
A balanced diet that contains all the necessary nutrients will provide energy to individuals, as well as aid the regulation of body processes which is also known as homeostasis as described by Iggulden, MacDonald and Staniland (2009). As identified by Webb (2012) scientific research has allowed healthcare professionals to ensure individuals receive the correct ratio of macronutrients and micronutrients in their diets. Webb (2012) states that macronutrients include “carbohydrates, fats and protein” and are needed in higher quantities in comparison to micronutrients which include vitamins and minerals. The Eatwell guide provides individuals with further guidance regarding the types and quantities of food that is recommended by professionals, in order to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. It is endorsed by the British Heart Foundation (2016) and it states at least five portions of fruit and vegetables should be eaten per day, to make up just over a third of your food intake per day. Additionally, starchy carbohydrates should make up just over a third of an individual’s food intake per day. Dairy, protein and oils and spreads are also necessary for excellent nutrition and as the British Heart Foundation recognise, unsaturated fats are healthier in comparison to saturated fats as they …show more content…
The obesity epidemic is a result of poor diet and a lack of physical exercise, as argued by Lutz, Mazur and Litch (2014). Age UK (2017) discovered that there is an estimate of three million malnourished individuals within the United Kingdom, with over one million of these individuals being over age sixty-five as of 2016. The Royal College of Nursing (2017) show that signs of malnutrition can include poor levels of concentration as well as respiratory problems and an increased risk of infection. Obesity is a result of the increased intake of energy and a decreased level of exercise, stated by Waugh and Grant (2014). Malnutrition results from an unbalanced intake of nutrients, claimed by Knudsen (2012). As Waugh and Grant (2014) discuss, obesity and malnourishment are common in older adults and obesity can have severe effects on a patient's health. Adults classed as obese can be predisposed to pressure ulcers which may take longer heal if additional care is not taken as stated by Cai, Rahman and Intrator (2013). The Mayo Clinic (2017) state that pressure ulcers, if left untreated, can result in a painful skin infection named cellulitis. However, patients with damaged nerves may not possess the ability to identify when they are experiencing pain which means it is vital that nurses are regularly checking for pressure ulcers in obese patients with reduced mobility. Another symptom resulting from