Improving Nutritional Status of Malnourished Bedridden Patient Diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Study Approach

Abstract

Malnutrition is common among hospitalized bed ridden patients. Nutritional management of hospitalized patients is a necessity in order to improve their nutritional status and disease conditions. The objectives of nutritional management of malnourished bedridden patient diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were to improve nutritional status of the patient through gradual provision of calorie and protein intake, to improve body protein status and control muscle wasting. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and dietary information. SGA was used to assess the malnutrition status of the patient. Since the patient was severely malnourished, she was fed with NG feeds followed by PEG feeds by gradually increasing calorie and protein up to the target level mainly through nutritional supplements for the one and half months of hospital stay. Patient’s serum protein, albumin levels and muscle mass were improved. According to the SGA, the patient was at normal/ well-nourished condition after nutrition management. Dietary management incorporating nutrition supplements indicated improvement of nutritional status of severely malnourished bedridden patient.