Nutrition and fluid management.

Management of fluid intake and nutrition is an essential component of nursing care and should be practised skilfully by all nurses and nursing students. This requirement forms the basis of the fourth essential skills cluster, nutrition and fluid management. The essential skills clusters stipulate key skills and behaviours to be demonstrated to meet the standards for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. This article, the fourth in a series on the essential skills clusters, discusses the core aspects of nutrition and fluid management and emphasises their importance in recovery from illness and in maintaining optimal health.