Nutrition in Wound Healing
Resource to help raise awareness of the role of nutrition in wound healing
Addressing Malnutrition
A number of actions can be taken which assist in addressing malnutrition, and thus promoting wound healing. The nurse should be aware that malnourishment not only delays wound healing, but also affects the individual in a number of other detrimental ways. Malnutrition can affect drug metabolism, impair the immune system, and affect the digestive system (Wright, 2006). Muscle wasting may also result in decreased mobility and reduced cardiac function (Wright, 2006), which can thus reduce the patient's ability to live independently, or reduce their social activities. In treating the patient holistically, it is therefore vital to address any malnourishment present.
Select a sub-heading to explore how this may be done.
- Address Reversible Causes
- Environment
- Fortification
- Health Promotion
- Oral Nutritional Supplements
- Patient's Likes and Dislikes
- Small Frequent Meals
- TPN
