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This article reviews the prevalence of loss of muscle mass and function, (sarcopenia) alongside malnutrition in the older population (>65 years). It outlines what is meant by both sarcopenia and malnutrition and looks at how these conditions can interact to cause detrimental outcomes in both underweight and overweight older adults. It also details some of the potential consequences of loss of muscle mass on the effective functioning of the human body and clinical outcomes and includes tips for nurses on how they can incorporate simple strategies into everyday care to both identify and treat patients at risk of sarcopenia and malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rate of malnutrition among hospitalised elderly patients in Australia is 42.3%. Malnutrition is known to lead to significant adverse outcomes for the patients and increase hospital costs through increased use of resources. Aim: This study assessed nutrition screening adequacy and investigated factors associated with missed opportunity to diagnose malnutrition. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study involving 205 general medical patients aged ≥60 years admitted acutely in a tertiary hospital over a period of 1 year. Patients who were not given initial nutritional screening were noted and all patients underwent nutritional assessment. The researchers assessed demographic data and performed univariate analysis of factors responsible for missed nutritional screening. Results: Only 99 patients (49.5%) were screened for malnutrition and 100 (50.3%) missed initial nutritional screening (data incomplete for 6 patients). Of those screened, more were malnourished (n=64; 61.5%) than those not screened (n=40; 38.5%), p<0.001. There was no significant difference in screening rates over the weekends and public holidays compared with weekdays (p=0.14). Time of day (p=0.03) and ward location (p=0.001) were significant factors, which determined nutrition screening. Conclusion: This study indicates common associations that might explain low inpatient screening rates for malnutrition; these include apparently adequate nutritional status, lower staff to patient ratios and outlier ward locations. Ensuring consistent nutrition screening with appropriate therapeutic interventions for patients and educational interventions for staff could pay dividends not only in terms of improved patient health but also in terms of hospital reimbursement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has become one of the most useful and established enteral nutrition techniques available to patients requiring nutritional support worldwide. Good nutrition and the receiving of essential nutrients and electrolytes are vital for growth, healing, repair and delivery of essential energy to carry out daily tasks. The article looks specifically at PEG as a form of enteral nutrition delivery, how it is undertaken, and the care needs of the patient post-insertion of a PEG tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition is a major problem among older people in the UK, and one that frequently goes unrecognized and untreated. It impacts on the individual's quality of life and increases both length of stay in hospital and the risk of unsuccessful outcomes to treatment. This article discusses the prevalence of malnutrition, the role of screening and practical steps that can be taken to improve the nutritional management of older people within the hospital environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many factors affect wound healing, including nutritional status and recent nutritional intake. Patients with infected wounds have increased requirements for nutrients and often have a reduced food intake. It is therefore important that nutritional status is carefully considered, and all patients should be screened for malnutrition using a nutrition screening tool. Nutrition plans should aim to provide sufficient energy while maintaining good glycaemic control, adequate protein and hydration, and a minimum of 100% reference nutrient intake for micronutrients. Measures required to achieve this will vary, as all patients should be assessed on an individual basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]