My 33 yo daughter has cystic fibrosis and after an extended illness is still on a vent and getting continuos tube feeding but is still third spacing. she eats a bit as well, any suggestions to improve her nutrition needed.?

It's complicated: The intensive care team (such as doctors, nutritionist, pharmacist, etc...) can talk with the patient to decide what the nutrition goals are. Then, they will figure out if such goals are possible. Many things affect what can be done, such as the amount of fluid the patient can handle orally and I.V., the function of her organs (heart, intestines, liver, kidneys), her desire to be tube fed, etc...

Good support: It sounds like she's getting good nutritional support, but is still too hyper metabolic from being sick to keep up with her protein imbalance of production versus utilization. It is important to avoid overfeeding her because it can make it more difficult to get her off of mechanical ventilation due to excessive co2 production.

Nutrition consult: The balance of fluid, co2 production, calories and protein intake will be considered by her ICU doctors. Obtaining a nutrition consultation from a nutritionist will assist in her management. I hope this helps.