Despite the common belief that pressure injuries increase energy and protein needs, there is no convincing evidence to support this.
People with spinal cord injury (SCI) have reduced energy needs, are at high risk of weight gain and may need extra support from a dietitian to ensure they are not taking in more nutrition than they need – especially if they are resting in bed for long periods, due to more significant stage 3 or 4 pressure injuries.
A healthy, well-balanced diet, that includes foods from all food groups, paired with adequate fluid intake, is recommended to optimise healing for people with SCI and pressure injuries.
Consider screening for deficiency with stage 3 and 4 pressure injuries. Screening should include B12, folate, iron studies, and zinc. Also, consider the need to screen for diabetes mellitus and thyroid dysfunction.
Evidence supporting the use of arginine-enriched nutrition supplements to aid wound healing is mixed, but could be considered where the pressure injury is failing to heal, despite adequate nutritional intake.
Consider pharmacological agents to assist with smoking cessation.