Nutrition in Wound Healing
Resource to help raise awareness of the role of nutrition in wound healing
Addressing Malnutrition - Patient's Likes and Dislikes
As with all treatment, the nurse should work in partnership with the patient to plan care that is suitable for each individual. The likes and dislikes of the patient are of utmost importance when devising a diet or plan of action to address malnutrition.
Wright (2006) identifies that illnesses such as cancer, or some treatments may cause altered taste or dryness or soreness of the mouth, which can hinder dietary intake, and thus contribute to malnutrition. She suggests that the nurse should consider the following, and provide advice accordingly:
- Stronger flavoured foods may appeal if the sense of taste is diminished. This can be done through adding herbs/ spices to foods.
- Fizzy drinks can stimulate tastebuds and make the mouth feel fresher.
- Sipping drinks through a straw can prevent the drink going on some of the tastebuds. This may alleviate bad tastes.
- Savoury foods may taste better than sweet products.
- Soft moist foods such as soup or stews may be easier to eat if the mouth is sore (adding extra gravy or butter can also help by making foods moister).
Have you cared for a patient whose sense of taste was altered? What was it that caused this alteration? Did the patient's eating habits change, and having read this section, is there any additional information that they may have benefited from?
