Malnourished Patients

There are some misconceptions about being malnourished, and what it actually means. Most people think that malnourished people only reside in third world countries. This is absolutely not correct. There are many malnourished people right here in the U.S. 

Patients at Risk

-       Homeless people are the number one group of admitted patients that are malnourished. This is understandable, due to the limitations with proper nutrition. If admitted into the hospital, workers can attempt to introduce nutrition back into the diet of a homeless person.There is little that can be done where there is no money, and the person lives on the street, or in their car. Suggesting a local soup kitchen or shelter may be beneficial, and depending on the seriousness of the patient, there may be group homes available to individuals unable to care for themselves. 

-       Models, actresses, and those in the fashion industry are often hospitalized for malnourishment. Many models in particular, may go for days at a time without consuming food of any substance. They may drink only water, and consume small amounts of fruit that has a high-water content. Water and fruit can be good for you, however, that is not enough. Our bodies need complete nourishment, a balance of fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein. Without proper amounts of the food group the body suffers.  When a person puts their body into starvation mode, it begins to rob muscle and nutrients, eventually leaving you weak and unable to physically perform as normal. 

-       Surprisingly, some of the most malnourished patients are severely obese.  Many times, morbidly obese patients eat an abundance of junk food and not nutritious foods. This can leave them overweight, but unhealthy and actually malnourished. The course of treatment in this situation is to attempt to retrain the patient to eat a healthier diet.  While not always successful, on every occasion, the patient may learn a new and healthier style of eating. 

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Malnourished patients may need to receive IV fluids in order to regain hydration, after which the solid foods can be addressed. It can be difficult to treat a malnourished patient, medication dosages will have to be monitored and observed carefully, as the body may not handle typical dosages. 

Retraining the Body

If a patient is under your care, admitted and needing to begin healing the body from the lack of nourishment, there are some steps to take in order to help the process.

-       Offer small amounts of foods at a time, however, offer multiple times during the day. The patients stomach may be very small at the moment, so trying to consume too much at once will only cause them to get sick and resist eating. Starting out with small amounts of foods such as soup broth, jello, and then cream of chicken soup with a couple crackers. Two hours later it can be followed by another of the same or similar.  Mornings can consist of juice, a small cup of coffee, one scrambled egg, with bacon and toast. Don’t expect they will eat it all, but encourage the egg and juice. 

-       Several times throughout the day offer small amounts of foods, grilled cheese sandwiches are something most people enjoy, and it can restart the eating process. A grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of vegetable soup is a great choice after the patient has been eating small meals for several days. 

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The physician in charge may order a vitamin, or a vitamin supplement drink.  The patient should be reminded that vitamins and other medications are much better tolerated with food in the stomach. Once regular eating has been in place encouragement to do small amounts of exercise is beneficial. It can continue to stimulate the appetite, and help to recharge weakened muscles. The goal is to ensure the patients' blood levels are sufficient, and that they will continue to have access to well balanced meals. 

Sadly, many Americans suffer from lack of nutrition because of financial reasons. In many cases, a social worker can help to secure a spot within a group home setting. Another option is a 24-hour shelter that can provide at least two nutritious meals per day. Helping to nurture a person back to health through nutrition can be challenging. The positive side is, lack of nutrition can be cured with proper nutrition, and permanent healthy eating habits learned. 

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