ICU Nutrition Basics

Nutrition

Early enteral feeding, balanced macronutrients.

Initiation

  • Start enteral within 24-48h of ICU admission
  • 20-25 kcal/kg/day initially
  • 1.2-2 g/kg/day protein in critically ill

Route

  • EN preferred
  • PN only if EN contraindicated >7d

Monitoring

  • Daily review of intake / tolerance
  • Refeeding screen if undernourished

Pearls

  • Watch for refeeding syndrome (low PO4, K, Mg) in first 5 days
  • Hold EN for haemodynamic instability

Educational support only — follow institutional ICU protocols.

WardRound

WardRound

Clinical Decisions in Seconds