title: Rational decision-making in nutritional care.
abstract: Malnutrition is no longer an obligatory and necessary complication of life-threatening diseases. Yet, in our enthusiasm to feed critically ill patients, we must guarantee patient safety as well as nutritional efficacy. Clinical studies that emphasize biochemical and physiologic assessment must be continued in order to provide a data base for guidelines for nutritional recommendations. Until more definitive information is available, nutritional maintenance of critically ill patients should be the first priority. Weight gain (positive energy balance) should be attempted with caution and is usually achieved with resolution of the catabolic disease.
mesh_terms: D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005521:Food Service, Hospital; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009751:Nutritional Requirements