Nutrition and wound healing: putting theory into practice.

Poor nutritional status is a risk factor when dealing with tissue viability. Older patients are at greatest risk and with an ever increasing older population the problems of poor nutrition need to be carefully addressed. Using NICE guidelines permits health care professionals to work to a consistent standard and to apply recognized guidelines. While looking at the roles of the main nutrients involved in wound healing, this article also offers practical tips to permit community nurses to offer first line advice to any patient recognized as being at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]