Provision and Assessment of Nutrition Support Therapy in the Adult Critically Ill Patient
Publication Date: January 14, 2016
Last Updated: March 14, 2022
Recommendations
Nutrition Assessment
Based on expert consensus, we suggest a determination of nutrition risk (eg, nutritional risk screening [NRS 2002], NUTRIC score) be performed on all patients admitted to the ICU for whom volitional intake is anticipated to be insufficient. High nutrition risk identifies those patients most likely to benefit from early EN therapy. ()
324190
Based on expert consensus, we suggest that nutrition assessment include an evaluation of comorbid conditions, function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and risk of aspiration. We suggest not using traditional nutrition indicators or surrogate markers, as they are not validated in critical care. ()
324190
We suggest that indirect calorimetry (IC) be used to determine energy requirements, when available and in the absence of variables that affect the accuracy of measurement. (VL)
324190
Based on expert consensus, in the absence of IC, we suggest that a published predictive equation or a simplistic weight-based equation (25–30 kcal/kg/d) be used to determine energy requirements. ()
324190
Based on expert consensus, we suggest an ongoing evaluation of adequacy of protein provision be performed. ()
324190
Title
Provision and Assessment of Nutrition Support Therapy in the Adult Critically Ill Patient
Authoring Organizations
American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Society of Critical Care Medicine