Foundations of Nursing Lecture #10: Nutritional Concepts & CAM Therapies

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering nutritional concepts, essential nutrients, therapeutic diets, diabetes management, and complementary/alternative therapies as presented in Lecture #10.

Nutrition

The total of all processes of ingesting and absorbing food substances for proper growth, functioning, maintenance of health, resistance to disease, and energy provision.

Essential Nutrients

Six classes of nutrients necessary for life that the body cannot make in sufficient amounts: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.

FDA Ingredient Listing Rule

A requirement that all ingredients on a food label be listed in order of prevalence, with the most abundant ingredient listed first.

Simple Carbohydrates

Includes monosaccharides (fructose and glucose) which enter the blood directly without digestion, and disaccharides (sucrose and lactose) which break down into monosaccharides.

Glycogen

Simple sugar stored in the liver and muscles; liver glycogen stabilizes blood sugar and feeds the brain, while muscle glycogen provides energy directly to muscles.

Insoluble Fiber

A type of fiber found in whole wheat, grains, and vegetables that softens stools, increases peristalsis, and relieves constipation.

Soluble Fiber

A type of fiber found in oat bran, barley, nuts, and fruits that binds with cholesterol and bile acids and provides a feeling of fullness.

Energy Potential of Lipids

$$9\,kcal/g$$

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fats usually of animal origin (except coconut, olive, and palm) that are typically solid at room temperature (except egg yolks and olive oil).

Complete Proteins

Proteins of animal origin (and soy/quinoa) that contain all $9$ essential amino acids.

Incomplete Proteins

Proteins of plant origin (grains, legumes, nuts, seeds) that lack one or more essential amino acids.

Marasmus

A form of protein-energy malnutrition resulting from deficiency in both protein and energy-producing foods, characterized by tissue wasting and a 'skin and bones' appearance.

Kwashiorkor

Severe protein restriction in the presence of other calories, characterized by edema of the feet, ascites, and fatty liver.

Albumin

A protein made by the liver that keeps plasma in the vessels; low levels indicate malnutrition or liver/kidney disease, while high levels indicate dehydration.

Fat-soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are stored in the body and can cause toxicity with overconsumption.

Water-soluble Vitamins

Vitamins B and C, which are not stored and are lost in the urine.

Pernicious Anemia

Anemia caused by an inability to absorb Vitamin B12 due to a missing intrinsic factor from the distal portion of the stomach.

Vitamin K

A fat-soluble vitamin important for blood clotting and produced by intestinal bacteria; requires caution for patients taking Coumadin (warfarin).

Major Minerals

Inorganic elements required by the body in amounts greater than $100\,mg/day$, such as Calcium, Sodium, and Potassium.

Trace Minerals

Inorganic elements required by the body in amounts less than $100\,mg/day$, such as Iron, Zinc, and Iodine.

Energy Potential of Carbohydrates and Proteins

$$4\,kcal/g$$

Diabetes Mellitus Type 1

A condition where the pancreas fails to produce insulin; accounts for $5\%$ of diabetes cases and usually presents in children and adolescents.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

A metabolic disorder common in adults where the body is resistant to insulin or produces insufficient amounts; often associated with being overweight.

Classic Diabetes Symptoms (3 P's)

Polyuria (constant peeing), Polydipsia (extreme thirst), and Polyphagia (always hungry).

Dumping Syndrome

A condition where stomach contents empty into the intestine too quickly, often triggered by high sugar intake, causing cramping, nausea, and palpitations.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by self-imposed starvation and body image distortion.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging.

DASH Diet

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension; a sodium-restricted diet used for managing hypertension and heart failure.

Enteral Nutrition

Nutritionally-balanced liquefied food administered via a feeding tube inserted into the stomach, duodenum, or jejunum.

Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Intravenous nutritional support, usually administered through a central line.

Complementary Therapies

Therapies used in addition to conventional (allopathic) medical treatments.

Alternative Therapies

Therapies that may replace conventional medicine or serve as the primary treatment modality.

Holistic Nursing

Nursing interventions that address and treat the mind-body-spirit, such as music therapy, guided imagery, and massage.

Chiropractic Therapy

A therapy based on manual manipulation of the musculoskeletal system to restore alignment; it is contraindicated for patients with osteoporosis.

Acupuncture

A method of stimulating specific body points with needles to modify pain perception and normalize physiologic functions.

Acupressure

The application of gentle pressure at specific points with fingers or blunt objects to prevent and relieve muscle tension.

Biofeedback

A noninvasive technique using monitoring devices to determine a patient’s neuromuscular and autonomic nervous system responses, such as pulse and blood pressure.

Tai Chi

A meditative exercise involving methodically slow movements used to improve balance, leg strength, and range of motion.