Evaluating and treating nutritional problems in older patients.

Up to 65% of elderly hospitalized patients are protein-energy undernourished at admission or acquire nutritional deficits while hospitalized. For the elderly patient who requires nutritional support therapy, a strategy of intervention should be carefully formulated based on the results of a clinical assessment. While receiving nutritional support, the patient should be monitored carefully for complications and changing metabolic requirements. Modifications to the original regimen should be made to meet the patient's needs as necessary.