Maintaining or improving the nutritional status of the elderly individual who progresses from one care setting to another presents a challenge for the health care team. Identification of risk factors that contribute to undernutrition or malnutrition in nursing home facilities is essential. Federal regulations mandate that nursing facilities provide care that maximizes the resident's quality of life. Protein energy undernutrition has been associated with the development of pressure ulcers, cognitive problems, infections, and increased mortality. Optimizing nutrition screening and interventions helps to achieve positive outcomes for the resident.
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