Body composition measures may help target fundamental nutritional nursing efforts in rehabilitating patients with acquired brain injury

AIM: To illuminate using body composition measurements for malnutrition measured by Bio Impedance Analysis (BIA), as opposed to body mass index (BMI), and discuss benefits and burdens for fundamental nursing care. DESIGN: A second analysis of a prospective, descriptive cohort study, targeting fundamental nursing care elements. METHODS: This postevaluation study explored data from a prospective, descriptive cohort study, which consecutively included 92 patients admitted for neurorehabilitation care. Measures of nutritional status were BMI and FFMI. Chi‐Square test and Multivariable logistic regression were used. RESULTS: Body composition measures rather than BMI contributed to target individual nutritional nursing care as this measure detected more patients at potential risk of malnutrition and indicated minor changes in the nutritional state. Transitions from being malnourished to a normal nutritional status occurred in 29% using the BMI definition while it was the case in 40% of individuals with malnutrition defined by the body composition.