Parenteral feeding of malnourished children – nursing practice based on evidence

Malnutrition of children is one of the most important risk factors for metabolic disorders, reduced resistance to infections, abnormalities in wound healing, increased morbidity and mortality. According to the concept Dudrick parenteral nutrition (PN) should be made when feeding a sick child through the gastrointestinal tract is impossible, inappropriate or inadequate. Nutritional therapy should be an integral part of therapy. The main objective of PN is to secure the patient to provide a mixture of nutrient and energy in planned quantities, respectively, in accordance with the demand for nutrients and energy expenditure. The paper presents an assessment of nutritional status of children as an elementary component of clinical practice and nursing. Stressed the need to respect the principles of standard parenteral nutrition – are complete, the proportionality of mixtures of nutrients and adjust the program to the needs and situation of the patient. The role of nurses in assessing the risks of child malnutrition, assess and monitor nutritional status.