ABSTRACT
Children that are hospitalized often have increased nutrition needs and are at a higher risk of being malnourished. Because children have smaller energy stores than adults, they require nutrition interventions sooner depending on their age. Pediatric nutrition support therapy should always be enteral, if possible. If a child’s oral intake is unsafe or inadequate, a short-term enteral access device is the first option. If the patient has a contraindication to the use of gastrointestinal tract, then parenteral nutrition is necessary. Careful assessment and monitoring is required no matter the type of intervention. Pediatric patients that are being discharged on some form of nutrition support therapy need preparatory education of their caregivers prior to discharge.
