Nurse Nutrition Study Guide Exam 3
Nurse Nutrition Study Guide Exam 3
Nurse Nutrition Study Guide Exam 3
Disclaimer: The following information is only a guide for studying. Be sure to read the assigned
chapters, review the chapter slides, and review notes taken during class.
Additional materials that review the content related to Test 3 include:
*Recordings of the lectures
Chapter 13: Nutrition Care and Assessment
Describe how disease and its treatment can impact nutritional status and how malnutrition
can impact disease.
Illnesses and there treatment may lead to malnutrition by:
o Reducing Food Intake
o Impairing digestion or absorption
o Altering Metabolism
o Altering Excretion
o Malnutrition over or under can lead to malnutrition
o Hospital malnutrition occurs in 40-60% of patients hospitalized with acute
illnesses
Identify members of the health care team who have unique roles in nutrition care of
patients.
Physicians/ Nurse Practitioners- Write diet orders, also include referrals for
nutrition assessment and dietary counseling.
Registered Nurses-Screen, assess, develop care plans, provide direct nutrition
care and education. Responsible for admin tube and IV feedings. In facilities that
do not employ registered dietitians, nurses assume much of the nutrition care.
Registered Dietitians- provide medical nutrition therapy(MNT), which includes
assessing nutritional status/assessment, diagnose nutritional problems, develop
nutrition care plans, provide nutrition counseling/education, plan and improve
menus. May also manage food and cafeteria services in healthcare institutions.
Registered Dietitic Technicians- Assists RD in implementing and monitoring of
nutrition services.
Other Professionals-Pharmacists, speech therapists, social workers, occupational
therapist, certified laboratory specialist, PCAs..- can alert dieticians or nurses on
nutritional problems.
Describe each of the five components of the nutrition care process (i.e. nutrition
screening, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring/evaluation).
Nutrition Screening- A tool for quickly identifying patients most likely to be at
risk for malnutrition.
o Allows for prevention strategies and early intervention. Identifies need for
complete nutrition assessments.
Assessment-involves the collection and analysis of health-related data in order to
identify specific nutrition problems and their underlying causes.
o Info may be obtained from medical record, physical examination, lab
analysis, medical procedure, interviews.
Diagnosis- includes specific nutrition problem, etiology or cause, and signs and
symptoms that provide evidence of the problem.
o EX: unintentional weight loss(the problem), related to insufficient kcaloric
intake(the etiology or cause), evidenced by a 10 pound weight loss in the
past few months(sign or symptom)
Intervention-May include counseling or education about appropriate dietary and
lifestyle practices, a change in meds or other treatment, or adjustments in meals.
To be successful intervention should consider an individuals food habits lifestyles,
and personal habits.
Monitoring and Evaluation- patients progress should be monitored closely, and
updated assessment data or diagnoses may require adjustments in goals or
outcome measures. The nutrition care plan must be flexible enough to adapt to
new situations.
Describe each of the four components of nutrition assessment and the limitations of each.
Medical History- Includes family history. May also reveal genetic susceptibilities
for diseases that can potentially be prevented with dietary and lifestyle changes.
Medication and Supplement History- A number of meds can have detrimental
effects on nutrition status, and some dietary components can alter absorption or
metabolism of drugs.
Personal and Social History-This can influence food choices as well as a
persons ability to manage health and nutrient problems. Ex: cultural/religious
beliefs, financial concerns, individuals who live alone, tobacco and illegal drugs.
Food and Nutrition History- A detailed account of persons dietary practices. It
includes info of food intake, lifestyle habits, food allergies. This includes a 24
hour food recall, and a survey about food choices.
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each tool to determine food intake and
eating habits.
24-hour dietary recall- guided interview of what a patient has consumed in the
last 24 hrs.
Identify the amount of weight loss over specified periods of time that indicate risk of
malnutrition. (NUMBERS)
> 2% in 1 week
> 5% in 1 month
> 7.5% of weight loss in 3 months
> 10% of weight loss in 6 months
chart bottom of pg.392
Compare and contrast the use of percent ideal body weight and percent usual body weight
in adults. (NUMBERS)
%UBW- 85-95%, %IBW- 80-90% Risk of mild malnutrition
Discuss the pros and cons of tests used for the evaluation of serum protein status.
Albumin- most abundant serum protein
o Insensitive index of early malnutrition due to long half-life of 14-20 days
o Slow to react to changes in health status
o May reflect chronic malnutrition(PEM)- albumin levels remain normal for
a long period despite significant protein depletion, and levels fall only
after prolonged malnutrition.
o Albumin is not a sensitive indicator of effective treatment
Transferrin- An iron transport protein and its concentration responds to iron
status, PEM, and various illnesses.
o More sensitive marker with an 8-10 day half-life
o Dependent on iron status
Prealbumin/Retinol Binding Protein- decrease rapidly during PEM and respond
quickly to improved protein intakes. These proteins are very sensitive.
o More expensive than albumin so not routinely included during nutrition
assessment.
o Use is limited b/c they are affected by a number of different factors such
as metabolic stress, zinc deficiency, and various medical conditions.
Discuss fluid imbalance and its effect on weight and blood test results.
Edema- signs include: weight gain, facial puffiness, swelling limbs, and
abdominal distention.
o May indicate malnutrition, cardiovascular disease, renal/liver disease.
Dehydration- signs include: thirst, dry skin mouth, reduced skin tension, dark
colored urine with low volume. Occurs more rapidly in Infants and elderly.
o May be caused by fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, diuresis, or burns
State the definitions of diet prescription, diet manual, and medical nutrition therapy.
Diet Prescription- MDs and NPs prescribe diets for patients; RDs and RNs can
ask for modification or clarification of diets.
Diet Manuel- Describes the foods included and excluded on modified diets, the
rationale for use of each diet, and sample menus
Medical Nutrition Therapy(MNT)- Nutrition care; includes assessing
nutritional status, diagnosing nutrition problems, devising diet plans, and
providing education/counseling
Differentiate between foods allowed on clear liquid and full liquid diets.
Clear Liquid diet- contains clear fluids or foods that are liquid at room temp and
leave minimal residue in the colon. Provides fluids and electrolytes. Includes:
o Strained orange juice
Flavored gelatin
Ginger ale
Coffee/tea
Bouillion
Flavored gelatin
Apple/grape juice
Soft drinks
Chart on pg.411
Full Liquid diet- opaque and transparent liquids/semi-liquids. Deficient in energy
and nutrients. Includes:
o Orange juice
o Strained oatmeal
o Milk
o Margarine
o Yogurt pudding
o Creamed soup
o Milkshakes
o Plain ice cream
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o
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Explain the different ways in which drugs and diet can interact, and identify specific
examples of each as shown on slides
Drugs can alter Food Intake by:
o reducing appetite
o increasing appetite
o Interfering with taste
o Causing/reducing nausea and vomiting
o Causing mouth dryness, inflammation, lesions
Drugs can alter nutrient absorption by:
o Changing acidity of stomach
o Changing GI transit time
o Damaging intestinal mucosa
o Competing for carriers/absorption sites
o Binding with nutrients
Diet can alter drug absorption by:
o Changing acidity in the stomach
o changing gastric emptying rate
degree of lactose intolerance. Many formulas are also gluten free and can
accommodate the needs of individuals w/ celiac disease (gluten
sensitivity)
Describe how enteral formulas are used orally as supplemental nutrition, and ways to
help patients accept oral formulas.
Patients who are weak or debilitated may find it easier to consume oral
supplements than to consume meals
A patient who can improve nutrition status w/ supplements may be able to avoid
the stress, complications, and expense associated w/ tube feedings
Hospitals usually stock a variety of nutrient-dense formulas, milkshakes, fruit
drinks, puddings, gelatin desserts, and snack bars to provide to patients who are at
risk of becoming malnourished
When a pt. uses an oral supplement, taste becomes an important consideration
Allowing patients to sample different products & select the ones they prefer helps
to promote acceptance
Other ways to help pt accept oral formula:
o Serve supplements attractively. For ex, a formula offered in a glass on an
attractive plate may be more appealing than a formula served from a can
w/ an unfamiliar name
o Try keeping the formula in an ice bath so that it is cool and refreshing
when the pt. drinks it
o If the pt. finds the smell unappealing, it may help to cover the top of the
glass w/ plastic wrap or a lid, leaving just enough room fro a straw
o For pts w/ little appetite, offer the formula or snack food in small amounts
that are easy to tolerate, and serve it more frequently during the day
o Provide easy access, so keep the supplement close to the pt. bed where it
can be reached w/ little effort and w/in sight so the pt. is reminded to
consume it
o If the pt. stops enjoying a particular product, suggest an alternative
Oral supplements are sold in pharmacies and grocery stores for home use; ex:
ensure, boost, and carnation instant breakfast
These are used sometimes as convenient meal replacements or supplements by
healthy individuals
Mechanical ventilation
Mental incapacitation due to confusion, neurological disorders, or coma
Contraindications for tube feedings include severe GI bleeding, high-output
fistulas, intractable vomiting or diarrhea, complete intestinal obstruction, and
severe malabsorption
Several clinical studies have suggested that tube feedings are not always effective
in some of the patient populations in which they are routinely used; thus the
decision to use tube feedings should be considered in light of the most recent
research evidence
o Best tolerated when they are delivered into the stomach (not the intestine)
o Generally, a total of about 250-400 milliliters of formula is delivered over
30-45 minutes using a gravity drip method or an infusion pump
o Due to the relatively high volume of formula delivered at one time,
intermittent feedings may be difficult for some patients to tolerate, and the
risk of aspiration may be higher than w/ continuous feedings
o An advantage is that they are similar to the usual pattern of eating and
allow the patient freedom of movement between meals
o May start w/ 60-120 milliliters at the initial feedings and be increased by
60-120 milliliters at each feeding until the goal volume is reached
Continuous Feedings: delivered slowly and at a constant rate over a period of 824 hours
o Are used to deliver intestinal feedings and are generally recommended for
critically ill patients b/c the slower delivery rate may be easier to tolerate
o May also be recommended for patients who cannot tolerate intermittent
feedings
o An infusion pump is required to ensure accurate and steady flow rates;
consequently, the feedings can limit the patients freedom of movement
and are also more costly
o Usually start at rates of about 40-60 milliliters per hour and be raised by
20 milliliters per hour until the goal rate is reached
Bolus Feedings: rapid delivery of a large volume of formula into the stomach
(250 to 500 milliliters over 5-15 minutes)
o May be given every 3-4 hrs using a syringe
o Convenient for patients and staff b/c they are rapidly administered, do not
require an infusion pump, and allow greater independence for patients
o Can cause abdominal discomfort, nausea, and cramping in some patients,
and the risk of aspiration is greater than with the other methods of feeding
o For these reasons, bolus feedings are used only in patients who are not
critically ill
If the patient cannot tolerate an increased rate of delivery, the feeding rate is
slowed until the person adapts. Goal rates can usually be achieved over 24-36
hours. In some patients, formula delivery can be started at the goal rate
immediately
Slower rates of delivery may be better tolerated by critically ill patients, when
concentrated formulas are used, or in patients who have undergone an extended
period of bowel rest due to surgery, intestinal disease, or the use of parenteral
nutrition
Enteral formulas contain about 70-85% water or about 700-850 mL of water per
liter of formula
In addition to the water in formulas, water can be provided by flushing water
separately through the feeding tube
Water flushes are also conducted to prevent feeding tubes from clogging; the
tubes are flushed w/ about 30mL of warm water about very 4 hrs during
continuous feedings and before and after each intermittent feeding
The water used for routine flashes should be included when estimating fluid
intakes
Identify major causes of tube feeding complications and ways to prevent or correct them.
For full list of preventions/corrections go to table 15-2 on page 446
Aspiration of formula
o Caused by inappropriate tube placement, delayed gastric emptying and
excessive sedation
Compare and contrast the composition, purpose, and uses of peripheral parenteral
nutrition versus TPN by central vein.
Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition
o Delivered using only the peripheral veins
o Often used in patients who require short-term nutrition support (about 710 days) and do not have high nutrient needs or fluid restrictions
o The use of PPN is not possible if the peripheral veins are too weak to
tolerate the procedure and in some cases clinicians must rotate venous
access sites to avoid damaging veins
Total Parenteral Vein
o Most patients meet their nutrient needs using the larger, central veins,
where blood volume is greater and nutrient concentrations do not need to
be limited
o B/c the central veins carry a large volume of blood, the parenteral
solutions are rapidly diluted
o Used for long-term support
o For patients w/ high nutrient needs or fluid restrictions
Describe the appropriate way to transition from parenteral feedings to enteral feedings.
(NUMBER)
The patient must have adequate GI function before they can be tapered off and
enteral feedings begin
Clear liquids are generally the first foods offered and are given in small amounts
to determine tolerance
Later feedings include beverages and solid foods that are unlikely to cause
discomfort
Once about 65-75 percent of nutrient needs can be provided enterally, the
intravenous infusions may be discontinued
Describe the body's immune system and hormonal responses to stress and related clinical
signs and symptoms.
The stress response is mediated by several hormones, which are released into the
blood soon after injury
The catecholamines (epinephrine & norepinephrine) often called fight or flight
hormones, stimulate heart muscle, raise blood pressure and increase metabolic
rate
Epinephrine also promotes glucagon secretion from the pancreas, prompting the
release of nutrients from storage
Glucagon increases the breakdown of glycogen, triglycerides and amino acids
Cortisol increases breakdown of glycogen, triglycerides, and amino acids. Over
time, depletes protein throughout body (muscle wasting); causes insulin
resistance; reduces immunity
Aldosterone & antidiuretic hormone maintain blood volume by increasing
reabsorption of sodium and water via the kidneys
Explain how hypermetabolic illnesses affect nutrition status and lead to malnutrition.
A disruption in the bodys chemical environment due to the effects of disease or
injury
Describe how hypermetabolism and protein depletion associated with stress can lead to
multiple organ failure.
Hypermetabolism: a higher than normal metabolic rate
Hypermetabolism and negative nitrogen balance can lead to wasting, which may
impair organ function and delay recovery
Identify immediate concerns about stress and possible measures that might be taken by
the health care team.
In patients hospitalized w/ acute stress, initial treatments include restoring fluid
and electrolyte balances and treating infections and wounds
Using quick methods, estimate the energy, protein, and fluid needs of patients.
(NUMBERS)
Energy
o 30 kcal/kg/day for weight maintenance (typically a range of 25 to 35
kilocalories/kilogram as seen in the book)
For weight loss: 20-25 kcal/kg/day
For weight gain: 35-40 kcal/kg/day
For critically ill patients: 20-30 kcal/kg/day
Protein
o Healthy adult: 0.8 g/kg/day
o Elderly person: 0.8 to 1.0 g/kg/day
o Critically ill person: 1.2 to 2.0 g/kg/day
Describe how a practitioner would decide on the nutrient and best route of delivery of
nutrients following stress.
A practitioner would decide by looking at the patient. Its subjective and all
depends on the patients condition
Chapter 17: Nutrition and Upper GI Disorders
List conditions that may interfere with chewing and swallowing.
o Dry mouth (Xerostomia): caused by reduced salivary flow
Side effect of many medications
Associated with many diseases and disease treatments
Ex: antidepressants, antihistamines, antihypertensives,
antieoplastics, bronchodilators, and other medications
Sjgrens syndrome: condition that directly affects salivary gland function
Radiation therapy may permanently damage salivary function
o Dysphagia
Oropharyngeal: involves mouth and pharynx; muscles in mouth and
tongue propel bolus through the pharynx into esophagus
Neuromuscular disorder upsets swallowing reflex or impairs the
mobility of the muscles involved with swallowing
Inhibits transfer of food from the mouth and pharynx to the
esophagus
Common in elderly people
Frequently follows strokes
Esophageal: swallowing, peristalsis forces the bolus through the
esophagus, and lower esophageal sphincter relaxes to allow passage of the
bolus into the stomach
Interferes with passage of materials through esophageal lumen and
into the stomach, and usually caused by an obstruction in the
esophagus or a motility disorder
Obstruction can be caused by stricture (abnormal narrowing),
tumor, or compression of esophagus surrounding tissues
Prevents passage of solid foods
Motility disorder hinders passage of solids and liquids
Achalasia: most common motility disorder; degenerative nerve
condition affecting the esophagus; characterized by impaired
o
o
onions, pepper, spicy foods, carbonated beverages, and very hot or very
cold foods (depending on indiv. tolerances)
Avoid eating bedtime snacks or lying down after meals; meals should be
consumed at least 3 hours before bedtime
Reduce nighttime reflux by elevating the HOB on 6-inch blocks, inserting
a foam wedge under the mattress, or propping pillows under the head and
upper torso
Avoid bending over and wearing tight-fitting garments; both can cause
pressure in the stomach to increase, heightening the risk of reflux
Avoid cigarettes and alcohol; both relax the lower esophageal sphincter
Avoid using NSAIDS such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen, which can
damage the esophageal mucosa
Explain the appropriate nutrition therapy for individuals with: vomiting, reflux
esophagitis, hiatal hernia, gastritis, and ulcers.
o Vomiting
Eat and drink slowly
Small meals
Clear cold beverages
Dry starchy foods (crackers, pretzels)
Foods cold or at room temperature
o Reflux esophagitis (inflammation in the esophagus related to the reflux of acidic
stomach contents)
Refer to lifestyle changes of GERD
o Hiatal hernia
Refer to lifestyle changes of GERD
o Gastritis
In asymptomatic cases, no dietary adjustments needed
If pain/discomfort is present, patient should avoid irritating foods and
beverages (alcohol, coffee, cola beverages, spicy foods, and fried/fatty
foods)
If consumption increases pain or causes nausea and vomiting, food intake
should be avoided 24 48 hours
o Ulcers
Correct nutrient deficiencies
Avoid consumption at least 2 hours before bedtime
Avoid dietary items that increase acid secretion or irritate the GI lining
(alcohol, coffee, caffeine-containing beverages, chocolate, and pepper)
Avoid large meals
Dont smoke
List ways to prevent indigestion.
o Eat small meals
o Avoid spicy or fatty foods
o Avoid foods that may trigger symptoms
Discuss common nutritional problems and related therapies associated with gastric
surgery.
o Common nutritional problems
Dumping Syndrome
Rapid gastric emptying
Related therapy
Limit meal size
Limit amount of food reaching the intestine
Eat slowly
Reduce foods that increase hypertonicity
Eat fiber-rich foods
Limit amount of fluid included in meals
Avoid foods and beverages that are high in sugar
Fat malabsorption
Deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins & some minerals
Related therapy
Supplemental pancreatic enzymes sometimes provided to
improve fat digestion
Bone disease
Malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D
Osteoporosis and osteomalacia
Related therapy
Calcium and vitamin D supplements
Anemia
Impaired iron & vitamin B12 absorption due to decreased
hydrochloric acid
Related therapy
Iron and vitamin B12 supplements
Describe the post-gastrectomy diet. (Table 17-6)
o Progress to 6-8 small meals & snacks/day
o Avoid sweets and sugars
o Soluble fiber to delay stomach emptying
o Avoid irritating foods
o May need to avoid milk products (lactose intolerance)
o Liquids between meals
Describe the major types of bariatric surgeries, potential candidates for surgery,
and post-surgery nutrition therapy to prevent or manage complications.
o Major types of bariatric surgeries (Figure 17-3)
Partial gastrectomy (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy)
Gastric bypass
Small gastric pouch constructed that reduces stomach capacity and
restricts meal size
Nutrition therapies
Remove pancreas
NPO
Small frequent meals
Low fat diet
Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
Discuss the impact of cystic fibrosis on nutrition status, and how it is treated.
o Effect on nutrition status
Lung disease
Hypermetabolism may cause impaired nutrition status due to
greater energy cost of labored breathing and anorexia
Pancreatic disease
Malabsorption of protein, fat and fat-soluble vitamins
Thickened pancreatic secretions obstruct pancreatic ducts
May lead to diabetes or glucose intolerance
Salt losses in sweat (increases risk of dehydration)
o Treatment
Energy needs = 120 150% of DRI
High-calorie, high-fat foods
Frequent meals and snacks
Pancreatic enzyme replacement
Liberal use of table salt
Describe characteristics of a gluten-restricted diet for the treatment of celiac disease.
(Table 18-6)
o Gluten-free diet for life
No wheat, rye, barley (oats)
Avoid lactose-containing foods in lactose deficiency is suspected
Check food labels
Differentiate between the characteristics of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis,
and their appropriate nutrition therapy.
o Crohns disease (Table 18-8)
Characteristics
May occur anywhere in intestine
Most cases involve ileum and/or large intestine
May lead to nutrient malabsorption
Tissue damage, bleeding, diarrhea
Lesions may develop along intestine, with normal tissue separating
affected regions
Ulcerations, fissures, and fistulas
Loop of intestines may become matted together
Malnutrition due to poor food intake, malabsorption, nutrient
losses, surgical resections that shorten small intestine