Nutritional Support Optimal nutrition support in the patient with a wound is essential for wound healing. Nutritional support for patients with wounds should include a balanced intake of carbohydrates, fat, protein, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. The type of nutrition as well as the route of administration are also important factors to consider. If patients are able to maintain an oral diet, they should be encouraged to eat a well-balanced diet including foods high in protein. The patient should be counseled on a diet which is nutritious and includes all of the food groups.
Nursing can assist the dietitian in determining intake by obtaining calorie counts.
When oral feedings cannot be tolerated, enteral or parenteral nutrition should be considered. If the patient is unable to eat, enteral feedings should be the first choice if the intestinal tract is intact and functional. Enteral feedings can be administered through nasal or abdominal feeding tubes. The type of feeding tube generally depends on the patient's illness and the duration enteral feedings are to be administered. When beginning enteral feedings, it is important to start administration slowly especially if the feeding is going directly into the small bowel.