The importance of assessing the nutritional status of clients as the focus of continuing education in nursing actions

Objective: to know the nursing actions developed in the Internal Core of Regulation (ICR) from Antonio Pedro University Hospital - Universidade Federal Fluminense, regarding the nutritional status of clients; to discuss about the impact of nutritional changes in treatment and rehabilitation of clients; to suggest the possibility of institutionalize the evaluation of nutritional status in this hospital sector, through a program of continuing education with the nursing staff. Method: this is a qualitative, descriptive study, report study, in which the data were collected through non-participatory observation and semi-structured interview. The research protocol was submitted to the Ethics Committee of the hospital and approved under CAAE No. 258-09. Results: the nutritional status of patients is not part of the evaluation made by nursing staff of the ICR. Conclusions: continuing education could contribute to improving the practice of professional nursing, to care for the patient as a unique being, respecting their biopsychosocial needs, limitations and their general welfare. Descriptors: nutritional assessment; education, nursing; health education; health promotion; nutritional status; vital signs. RESUMOObjetivo: conhecer as ações de enfermagem desenvolvidas no Núcleo Interno de Regulação (NIR) do Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro – Universidade Federal Fluminense, no que tange a condição nutricional dos clientes; discutir sobre o impacto das alterações nutricionais no tratamento e recuperação dos clientes; sugerir a possibilidade de institucionalização da avaliação do estado nutricional neste setor do hospital, por meio de um programa de educação permanente com a equipe de enfermagem. Método: trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva, do tipo estudo de caso, na qual os dados foram coletados por meio de observação não participativa e entrevista semiestruturada. O protocolo de pesquisa foi submetido ao Comitê de Ética do próprio hospital, aprovado sob CAAE nº 258-09. Resultados: os resultados ...