Critical Care Nursing: Metabolic and nutrition considerations for ICU patients

Nutrition plays a critical role in the recovery of ICU patients, yet it is often overlooked amidst the complexity of managing multi-organ failure, ventilation and haemodynamic instability. 

Understanding the metabolic response to critical illness and tailoring nutrition strategies accordingly can significantly impact patient outcomes. This webinar will explore key metabolic and nutrition considerations for ICU patients through the examination of a patient case study.

Session outline:

• The hypermetabolic state of critical illness - increased protein breakdown & muscle wasting; insulin resistance & hyperglycaemia; increased energy demands

• Assessing nutritional needs in ICU patients - predictive equations & caloric indicators; electrolyte imbalances

• Enteral vs parenteral nutrition - what’s best for the ICU patient

• Special considerations in multi-organ failure - impact of mechanical ventilation, vasopressors and gut perfusion, nutrient losses from renal replacement therapy

This is a Medcast Continuing Medical Education (CME) course.