Nutrition Nutrition Nutrition.
Adequate nutrition plays an important part in maintaining and regaining optimal health.
Ensuring good nutrition for ill persons is often complicated by the need for special or restricted diets and by lack of appetite due to inactivity. Instruction in selecting and preparing special meals may be provided by the dietitian or nutritionist in the hospital and reinforced by the home health care nurse. Food should be attractively served at the appropriate temperature, and assistance in feeding should be provided if necessary. Prior to meals, patients should be allowed to wash their hands and be assisted to a sitting position if possible. Flexible straws or other devices may be of help to some patients.