ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to familiarize the reader with the important aspects of the nutritional assessment, the estimation of patient requirements, and the proper administration of substrate. It discusses the effects of malnutrition and the influence of various nutrients on the immune system. Concurrent with the expansion of knowledge in the field of nutritional support has been the growth in research directed at unraveling the mysteries of the immune system. It is becoming increasingly clear that immunocompetence is greatly dependent on the nutritional status. The chapter summarizes many components of a comprehensive nutritional assessment function in concert to enable the clinician to categorize nutritional status. The original intent of parenteral nutrition was to provide nutrients substantially in excess of actual requirements. The standard of care mandates that the clinician be able to recognize patients at risk for developing protein-calorie malnutrition and to initiate the appropriate nutritional response.
