Nutritional considerations in pediatric oncology

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the characteristics of a nutrition care plan for pediatric patients, specifically pediatric screening, assessment, and treatment protocols. DATA SOURCES: Review articles, manuals, and textbooks. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional support of pediatric patients with cancer differs from adults because of their unique nutritional needs, their wide age range (infants to adolescents), and the psychosocial aspects of treating the entire family. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: To participate in the prevention and treatment of malnutrition in the pediatric patient with cancer, nurses require an understanding of nutrition care in this specialized population.