Early Nutritional Intervention Using the Nutrition Care Process in a Postoperative Tetralogy of Fallot Patient: A Case Report

Hospital-acquired malnutrition is a critical concern, particularly among patients with chronic conditions like Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). This case report describes the nutritional management of a 20-year-old male patient with severe undernutrition (BMI 15.1 kg/m2) admitted postoperatively for bleeding following TOF correction surgery. Early nutritional screening using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) guided a multidisciplinary intervention incorporating high-calorie, high-protein diets, oral nutritional supplements (ONS), and culturally appropriate vegetarian options. Enteral feeding was initiated via Ryles tube feeding and progressively transitioned to oral intake with structured diet progression over six days, supporting clinical recovery. The patient demonstrated significant clinical improvement, including feeding tolerance, extubating, and transition to oral intake. This case underscores the importance of early nutritional assessment, individualized nutrition care planning, and gradual diet advancement in optimizing outcomes for malnourished cardiac patients. Integration of standardized nutritional protocols into routine hospital care can enhance recovery and reduce complications in high-risk populations.