title: Evaluation of nutritional status in persons with spinal cord injury: a prerequisite for successful rehabilitation.
abstract: Evaluation of nutritional status is a pre-requisite for planning a comprehensive and appropriate nutritional care plan for spinal cord injured (SCI) patients. A nutritional assessment reveals the nutritional status of a patient and identifies the objectives of nutritional care. There is no single measurement that totally reflects the state of a patient's nutritional health. Besides anthropometric, laboratory, and dietary intake, a patient's social and medical history are needed to develop an individualized plan. The outcome of establishing a screening and assessment program results in quality and cost-effective nutritional care for patients. Providing optimal nutritional care at the onset of SCI can help reduce complications, decrease length of hospital stay, and enhance the rehabilitation outcome.
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Houda
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology*