Points to Consider |
Reasoning |
Approach |
|
Nutrition |
|
Educate the patient on the importance and the way to achieve the DRI |
Wound healing may require higher
intakes of some foods |
Consider multivitamins or other supplements, keeping in mind the Upper Tolerable
Limit (UL) |
Maintaining a balanced intake of nutrients
by using supplements as needed,
i.e., Vitamin C may promote healing |
Promote intake of nutrients that may accelerate healing |
Consider pre-existing medical conditions (e.g. diabetes) and interactions with
medications |
Offer referrals for nutritional counseling |
|
Ease of intake |
The consumption of food should be as
painless as possible without damaging
or aggravating the wound site |
Educate the patient to evaluate the texture, consistency, and temperature of
food that is appropriate to their stage in healing (i.e., Crunchy foods should be
avoided; foods such as cooked potatoes can be crushed or mashed to varying
degrees; chilled or cold foods may be more soothing to the wound site) |
Consider different food processing methods to maintain proper nutrition and
introduce variety to keep the patient motivated |
Encourage the patient to chew slowly and carefully |
Consider medications that may modulate food intake |
|
Palatability |
Food that is appetizing encourages
lasting healthy eating habits and an
adequate intake of nutrients to promote
wound healing |
Consider texture or consistency, odor, color, temperature and taste of food |
Consider the patient’s food habits prior to surgery |
Aim to introduce as much food variety as possible without compromising
nutrition and the healing process |
|
Frequency and size of meals |
Drastic changes in rate and level of food
intake may upset the body’s metabolic
system especially after surgery |
Educate the patient to return to a regular eating schedule as soon as possible |
The frequency and size of meals are
determined by patient’s tolerance and
comfort level |
Aim to establish an eating schedule that achieves adequate nutritional intake |
Consider pre-existing medical conditions e.g. diabetes |
|
Ease of preparation |
Food choices that are more readily
available and easier to prepare would
encourage good food selection choices
and healthy eating habits that may optimize
healing |
Suggest the patient to prepare certain foods prior to surgery for the day(s) immediately
post-operation for the ease of consumption |
Encourage the patient to establish a support network of friends and family to
assist with food preparation |
Propose preparation methods that require little steps and technique |
Offer referrals for nutritional counseling |
|
Fluid intake |
Dehydration may impede recovery, and
this may be exacerbated by vomiting.
Patients on certain medications have a
greater risk of developing xerostomia. |
Educate the patient on the importance of being well hydrated |
Consider pre-existing medical conditions and interactions with medications |