Ch 19 Nutrition updated

Nutrition

The sum of all processes involved in taking in nutrients and using them to maintain body tissue and provide energy.

Role of the nurse in nutrition

Assisting patients with eating, recording intake, observing signs of poor nutrition, and communicating within the healthcare team.

MyPlate

A diet planning guide visualizing optimal food group proportions on a plate.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Federal nutrition recommendations used to shape US nutrition policy and programs.

Dietary Reference Intake (DRI)

Nutrient-based values replacing RDAs for evaluating and planning diets.

Essential nutrients

Nutrients the body cannot produce in sufficient amounts; must be obtained from food (e.g., carbs, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, water).

Kilocalorie (kcal) units

Fats: 9 kcal/g; Carbs & protein: 4 kcal/g; Alcohol: 7 kcal/g (no nutrients).

Recommended caloric distribution

Fat: 20%-35%; Carbs: 45%-65%; Protein: 10%-35%.

Simple carbohydrates

Monosaccharides (e.g., glucose, fructose) and disaccharides (e.g., sucrose, lactose).

Complex carbohydrates

Polysaccharides like starch, glycogen, and dietary fiber.

Insoluble fiber

Adds bulk to stool, aids constipation; found in whole grains, vegetables, flaxseeds.

Water-soluble fiber

Forms gel-like substance, lowers cholesterol; found in oats, legumes, fruits.

Saturated fats

Solid at room temperature; increase LDL cholesterol (e.g., butter, red meat).

Unsaturated fats

Liquid at room temperature; may lower LDL (e.g., olive oil, avocados).

Trans fats

Artificially hydrogenated; raise LDL cholesterol (e.g., margarine).

HDL cholesterol

'Good' cholesterol; transports cholesterol to liver for excretion.

LDL cholesterol

'Bad' cholesterol; contributes to plaque buildup in arteries.

Complete proteins

Contain all 9 essential amino acids (e.g., meat, eggs, soy).

Incomplete proteins

Lack one or more essential amino acids (e.g., grains, legumes).

Positive nitrogen balance

Nitrogen intake > excretion (e.g., growth, pregnancy).

Negative nitrogen balance

Nitrogen excretion > intake (e.g., illness, starvation).

Kwashiorkor

Protein deficiency with edema; symptoms include skin lesions, fatty liver.

Marasmus

Calorie and protein deficiency; symptoms include muscle wasting, emaciation.

Fat-soluble vitamins

A, D, E, K; stored in body fat.

Water-soluble vitamins

B-complex and C; not stored, excess excreted in urine.

Vitamin C function

Immune support, iron absorption, wound healing; deficiency causes scurvy.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Pernicious anemia; requires intrinsic factor for absorption.

Vitamin D sources

Sunlight, fortified milk; deficiency causes osteoporosis.

Vitamin K function

Blood clotting; patients on warfarin need consistent intake.

Calcium function

Bone health, nerve/muscle function; deficiency leads to osteoporosis.

Sodium excess

Linked to hypertension (HTN); found in processed foods.

Potassium imbalance

Hypokalemia: muscle weakness, arrhythmias; hyperkalemia: cardiac arrest.

Iron absorption

Enhanced by vitamin C; deficiency causes anemia.

Water functions

Regulates temperature, transports nutrients; dehydration signs: poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes.

Pregnancy weight gain

Normal BMI: 25-35 lbs; underweight: 28-40 lbs; overweight: 15-25 lbs.

Hyperemesis gravidarum

Severe nausea/vomiting in pregnancy; intervention: eat crackers before rising.

Gestational diabetes

Diabetes during pregnancy; managed with diet/exercise; risk of macrosomia.

Infant feeding

Introduce solids at 4-6 months; avoid cow's milk until 12 months.

Osteoporosis

Low bone density; prevention: calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise.

Caffeine effects

Diuretic, may cause insomnia, palpitations; limit in pregnancy.

Kosher dietary laws

No pork/shellfish; separate meat/dairy utensils; humane slaughter.

Seventh Day Adventist diet

Avoids caffeine, alcohol, tobacco; often vegetarian.

Drug-nutrient interactions

Medications may alter appetite, nutrient absorption, or metabolism.