Malnutrition, infection, and sepsis in acute and chronic illness.

Optimal nutritional status contributes to health maintenance and the prevention of infection. The function of healthy cells is maintained by the provision of adequate nutrition. When nutrient availability is disrupted, primary and secondary malnutrition develop. Malnutrition contributes to a cascade of adverse metabolic events that compromise the immune system and impair the body's ability to adapt, recover, and survive. Malnutrition is treated by the early delivery of essential nutrients in an effective and comprehensive manner. Nurses are challenged to understand the importance of adequate nutritional support in the prevention of infection, multiple organ failure, and sepsis.