registered dietitian
A health care practitioner that consults with physicians, nurses, therapists, and family members in the intensive care unit (ICU) to improve the nutritional health of critically ill or injured patients. Critically ill patients may already have malnutrition (lack the nutrients needed to remain healthy) because unable to absorb or produce them. Both types of patients may develop malnutrition as a result of medical treatment they are receiving. Dialysis, particularly, can cause malnutrition because it assists with but does not take over the kidney's function entirely. When dialysis is unable to remove all waste, a dietitian can guide the patient's eating habits, having them eat less of the foods containing the waste.
Registered dietitians are not nutritionists; they have completed special courses and supervised practice and they have passed exams and maintained continuing education in their field. Unlike nutritionists, who deal with the general public, registered dietitians have legal standing to work in hospitals and health care facilities.
