Nutritional support
Patients in respiratory failure have unique nutritional needs and considerations. Those with acute respiratory failure from primary lung disease may be malnourished initially or may become malnourished from increased metabolic demands or inadequate nutritional intake. Malnutrition can impair the function of respiratory muscles, reduce ventilatory drive, and decrease lung defense mechanisms. Clinicians should consider nutritional support and individualize such support to ensure adequate caloric and protein intake to meet the patient’s respiratory needs.