Nutrition in Nursing
Based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs and nutrition rank on the same level air, food does so much more than simply sustain life. Food is loaded with personal, social, and cultural meanings that define our food values, beliefs, and customs. That food nour- ishes the mind as well as the body broadens nutrition to an art as well as a science. Nutrition is not simply a matter of food or no food but rather a question of what kind, how much, how often, and why. Merging want with need and pleasure with health are keys to feeding the body, mind, and soul. Although the dietitian is the nutrition and food expert, nurses play a vital role in nutri tion care. Nurses may be responsible for screening hospitalized patients to identify patients at nutritional risk. They often serve as the liaison between the dietitian and physician as well as with other members of the health-care team. Nurses have far more contact with the patient and family and are often available as a nutrition resource when dieti are not, instructions. In home care such as during the evening, on weekends, and during discharge and wellness settings, dietitians may be available only on a consultative basis. Nurses may reinforce nutrition counseling provided by the dietitian and may be responsible for basic nutrition education in hospitalized clients with low to mild nutritional risk. Nurses are inti-