Seven Deadly Sins of Nutrition Therapy in Critically Ill Patients

Nutr Clin Pract. 2020 Apr;35(2):205-210. doi: 10.1002/ncp.10430. Epub 2019 Oct 22.

Abstract

This article presents 7 nutrition steps that, if not followed by the clinical staff, may be metaphorically considered as "7 deadly sins" of nutrition therapy. In this review, we suggest approaches that must be avoided or accomplished to increase compliance with the "Ten Commandments" of good nutrition practice in the intensive care setting. Multiple aggressive and simultaneous sets of therapies are implemented in the intensive care setting, which include nutrition and metabolic support as important components in these therapies. "Sins" should be remembered as a mnemonic device for nutrition standard care in the intensive care unit; this incorporates nutrition adequacy and protocol adherence.

Keywords: clinical protocols; critical illness; enteral nutrition; intensive care unit; nutrition support; parenteral nutrition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Critical Care / methods
  • Critical Illness / therapy*
  • Energy Intake
  • Enteral Nutrition / methods
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units*
  • Nutrition Therapy / methods
  • Nutritional Status
  • Nutritional Support / methods*
  • Parenteral Nutrition / methods
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic