Nutrition Therapy in the Adult Hospitalized Patient

Specialized nutrition therapy in the form of EN should be initiated promptly in the hospitalized patient who is at high nutritional risk and is unable to maintain volitional oral intake. (Conditional (weak)  “We suggest”Low)

EN should be used preferentially over PN in hospitalized patients who require non-volitional specialized nutrition therapy and do not have a contraindication to the delivery of luminal nutrients. (Conditional (weak)  “We suggest”Low)

Specialized nutrition therapy (EN or PN) is not required for hospitalized patients who are at low nutritional risk, appear well nourished, and are expected to resume volitional intake within 5 to 7 days following admission. (Conditional (weak)  “We suggest”Very low)

PN should be reserved for the hospitalized patient under specific circumstances, when EN is not feasible or sufficient enough to provide energy and protein goals. (Conditional (weak)  “We suggest”Very low)