Review ArticleThe importance of nutrition in critically ill patientsMaday, Kristopher R. MS, PA-C, CNSCAuthor Information Kristopher R. Maday is program director and an associate professor of the PA program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tenn., and holds a national board certification in nutrition. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants: January 2017 - Volume 30 - Issue 1 - p 32-37 doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000502861.28599.c6 Buy Metrics Abstract Metabolic and physiologic changes during critical illness can be protective mechanisms for hospitalized patients but increases their risk for malnutrition. Clinicians must assess patients' nutritional status during acute illness and determine their need for nutritional support. By understanding the physiologic changes and patients' metabolic adaptations to stress, clinicians can choose the appropriate assessment tool and type of nutritional support needed to improve outcomes in critically ill patients. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Physician Assistants