Nutrition, Infection Prevention & Daily ICU Care
Use a structured daily review to reduce avoidable complications and support recovery.
Quick revision ↓ Medical Dictionary
01Assess nutrition
Review nutritional history, current intake and risk of malnutrition early. Enteral and parenteral routes have different indications and risks. Feeding plans should reflect gut function, clinical stability and specialist advice, with monitoring of tolerance and metabolic effects.
02Prevent refeeding harm
Patients with prolonged poor intake may be at risk of refeeding syndrome. Restarting nutrition requires an appropriate plan, vitamin support where indicated and monitoring of electrolytes and fluid balance. A seemingly normal initial blood result does not remove the need for ongoing observation.
03Review devices
Check the indication for each vascular line, urinary catheter and other invasive device daily. Use aseptic insertion and maintenance practices and remove devices when no longer needed. New fever or deterioration requires assessment rather than automatic attribution to a line without evidence.
04Prevent immobility complications
Assess venous thromboembolism and bleeding risk, pressure areas, mobility and positioning. Provide individualised prophylaxis and skin care according to the clinical situation. Rehabilitation should be coordinated with physiological stability, lines and airway safety rather than delayed by default.
05Use a daily goals review
Review pain, sedation, ventilation, fluid balance, nutrition, medicines, infection treatment, devices and rehabilitation together. Include communication needs and the patient’s preferences. A checklist supports reliability but must lead to actual decisions, named responsibilities and reassessment.
High-Yield Revision
- Review the need for every invasive device daily.
- Poor intake can create refeeding risk.
- A checklist should produce actions and responsibility.
Common Pitfalls
- Starting full nutrition without assessing refeeding risk.
- Leaving devices in place without an ongoing indication.
References & Further Reading
Read the relevant guideline sections alongside these original clinical teaching cases. Local pathways, available services and individual patient factors determine care.
Reference review: 29 September 2026. Consult current local protocols for prescribing, procedures and escalation.