Clinical Considerations in Specialized Nutrition in Critically III Patients

Specialized nutrition support (SNS) is required when oral intake either limited or not possible for a prolonged period of time. Common indications SNS include patients in critical care, those with dysphagia, unconscious who cannot be fed, severely malnourished patients, and intestinal malabsorption. The two forms are enteral parenteral nutrition. Enteral feeding always preferred whenever possible, but may instituted if the patient has nonfunctional GI tract (e.g., gastroschisis, short bowel syndromes), and/or contraindicated. Patients on develop several complications related to tubes intravenous catheters, as well additional metabolic such electrolyte imbalances, hyperglycemia, refeeding syndrome, gallstone disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.