Nutrition

What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

To provide energy for the body, with a recommended intake of 130g/day for adults and children.

What are the three types of carbohydrates?

Monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

What is the recommended daily fiber intake for women and men?

Women: 25g/day; Men: 38g/day.

What is the role of protein in the body?

Tissue-building and maintaining a balance of nitrogen and water, with a recommended intake of 0.8g/kg.

What distinguishes complete proteins from incomplete proteins?

Complete proteins come from animal sources and soy, while incomplete proteins come from plant sources.

What are lipids and their functions?

Concentrated energy storage, hormone production, cell wall structure, padding, insulation, and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

What is the recommended daily intake of lipids?

200-300 mg/day, with less than 10% from saturated sources.

What are triglycerides?

Fats that supply energy, support fat-soluble vitamins, and form adipose tissue.

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Saturated fatty acids are solid at room temperature and come from animal sources, while unsaturated fatty acids are liquid and come from plant sources.

What is the role of iron in the body?

Responsible for oxygen distribution to hemoglobin and myoglobin.

What are the two forms of iron?

Heme iron (from meat, fish, poultry) and non-heme iron (from grains, legumes, and vegetables).

What does BMR stand for and what does it measure?

Basal Metabolic Rate; it measures the amount of energy used for involuntary activities at rest after a 12-hour fast.

What is RMR?

Resting Metabolic Rate; it refers to the calories needed for involuntary activities of the body at rest, without needing a fast.

How does acute stress affect metabolism?

It increases metabolism, blood glucose levels, and protein catabolism.

What is a neutral nitrogen balance?

A state indicating adequate nutritional intake where protein breakdown equals protein synthesis.

What is the BMI range for a healthy weight?

18.5 to 24.9.

What is prealbumin used for?

To assess critically ill patients at risk for malnutrition and to measure the effectiveness of total parenteral nutrition.

What is the function of obesity medications like Orlistat?

To prevent the digestion of fats.

What are some adverse effects of Lorcaserin?

Headache, dry mouth, fatigue, and nausea.

What is the recommended daily limit for sodium intake?

Less than 2,300 mg/day (1 tsp).

What is My Plate?

A guideline for healthy food choices balanced with physical activity.

What are the dietary needs for a vegetarian diet?

Adequate Vitamin D, B12, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

What is the recommended limit for saturated fat intake?

Limit to 10% of total calories.

What role do B-complex vitamins play in the nervous system?

They are essential for nerve function and response.

What is the recommended refrigerator temperature for fresh meat?

40˚F (4˚C) or colder

How long can bacon be stored in the fridge?

7 days

What is the maximum storage time for opened summer sausage?

3 weeks

What is the safe cooking temperature for chicken?

165˚F (74˚C)

What is the most common cause of foodborne illness?

Improper storage, handling, and preparation of food

What are common symptoms of Salmonella infection?

Headache, fever, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting

What type of food is commonly associated with E. coli infections?

Raw or undercooked meat, especially ground beef

What are the symptoms of Listeria Monocytogenes infection?

Fever, diarrhea, headache, back pain, abdominal discomfort

What foods can decrease the anticoagulant effects of warfarin?

Foods high in vitamin K, such as dark green vegetables, eggs, and carrots

What dietary consideration is important for lactating women?

Increase daily caloric intake by 330 calories during the first 6 months and 400 calories during the second 6 months

What is the recommended daily intake of folic acid during pregnancy?

600 mcg/day

What is a common remedy for nausea during pregnancy?

Eating dry crackers or toast

How long should infants be exclusively breastfed?

For the first 6 months

What is the recommended duration for breastfeeding each session?

15-20 minutes per breast

What should you avoid giving to breastfeeding infants?

Supplements

What is the safe storage duration for expressed breast milk in the fridge?

10 days

What is the proper way to thaw frozen breast milk?

In the fridge, can be stored for 24 hours after thawing

What is the cooking temperature for ground beef?

160˚F (71˚C)

What is a common dietary restriction for Orthodox Jews?

No pork or shellfish, and no mixing of meat and dairy

What do Muslims and Mormons avoid in their diets?

Stimulants such as coffee, tea, and caffeinated soda

What is a characteristic of a lacto-vegetarian diet?

Includes milk products and plant-based foods

What is the caloric increase recommended during the second trimester of pregnancy?

340 calories

What is the safe cooking temperature for steaks and roasts?

145˚F (63˚C)

What should you avoid doing with partially emptied bottles?

Do not reuse partially emptied bottles.

What is the maximum amount of liquid one should drink in 24 hours?

No more than 32 oz.

What is colic?

Persistent crying lasting 3 hours or longer per day, usually occurring in the late afternoon.

What are the symptoms of colic in infants?

Crying accompanied by a tense abdomen and legs drawn up to the belly.

What dietary change can help with lactose intolerance?

Prescribe soy-based or casein hydrolysate formulas.

What are common choking hazards for toddlers?

Grapes, marshmallows, hot dogs, and bagels.

What nutrients do older adults need to increase?

Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B12.

What is a clear liquid diet?

A diet consisting of foods or fluids that have no residue and are liquid at room temperature, primarily to prevent dehydration.

What are acceptable foods on a clear liquid diet?

Water, tea, coffee, fat-free broth, carbonated beverages, clear juices, ginger ale, and gelatin.

What is a full liquid diet?

A diet that includes all liquids on a clear liquid diet plus additional liquid foods like milk, soups, and ice cream.

What should be used cautiously with patients who have dysphagia?

Full liquid diets.

What is a blenderized liquid diet?

A diet consisting of liquids and foods that are pureed to liquid form.

What are indications for a soft (bland, low-fiber) diet?

Patients transitioning between full liquid and regular diets, those with acute infections, chewing difficulties, and GI disorders.

What does a mechanical soft diet include?

Regular diet modified in texture, including foods that require minimal chewing before swallowing.

What is a dysphagia diet?

A diet prescribed when swallowing is impaired, such as following a stroke.

What are the signs and symptoms of dysphagia?

Drooling, pocketing food, choking, or gagging.

What is the texture of Level 1 solid foods in a dysphagia diet?

Pureed to smooth consistency with a pudding-like texture.

What defines Level 2 solid foods in a dysphagia diet?

Soft-texture, moist, semi-solid foods that are easily chewed and swallowed.

What is the characteristic of Level 3 solid foods in a dysphagia diet?

Near-normal textured foods that are moist; hard sticky foods are eliminated.

What is the consistency of thin liquids?

Unthickened beverages like clear juices, frozen yogurt, and broth.

What defines nectar-like liquids?

Liquids that are thick enough to sip through a straw but thicker than water.

What are honey-like liquids?

Pourable but thickened liquids that can be eaten with a spoon but not sipped through a straw.

What are spoon-thick liquids?

Liquids thickened to maintain their shape, requiring a spoon for consumption.

What is enteral nutrition?

Nutrition used when a client cannot consume adequate nutrients and calories orally.

When is enteral nutrition contraindicated?

When the GI tract is nonfunctional, such as in paralytic ileus or intestinal obstruction.

What are the routes for enteral feeding?

Nasoenteric tubes, ostomies, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy.

What are standard enteral formulas?

Formulas composed of whole proteins or protein isolates, requiring a functioning GI tract.

What are hydrolyzed enteral formulas?

Formulas composed of partially digested peptides and free amino acids, suitable for those with impaired digestion.

What is the continuous infusion method for enteral feeding?

Formula administered at a continuous rate over 12-24 hours, recommended for critically ill patients.

What is cyclic feeding?

A method where formula is administered at a continuous rate over 8-12 hours, often during sleeping hours, used for transitioning from total enteral nutrition to oral intake.

How often is intermittent tube feeding administered?

Every 4-6 hours in equal portions of 250-400 mL over a 30-60 minute time frame.

What is bolus feeding?

A variation of intermittent feeding where a large volume of formula (up to 700 mL) is administered over a short period of time, usually 15-30 minutes, 4-6 times a day.

What should be done before initiating tube feeding?

Residual volumes should be measured.

What is a key nursing intervention for tube feeding?

Verify tube placement by radiography and measure the tube each shift and prior to each feeding.

What position should the head of the bed be during feedings?

Elevated 30 degrees during feedings and for at least 30-60 minutes afterward to reduce aspiration risk.

What should be monitored during enteral nutrition?

Serum albumin, hemoglobin & hematocrit, glucose, BUN, and electrolytes.

What are common GI complications of enteral nutrition?

Constipation, cramping pain, abdominal distention, dumping syndrome, nausea, and vomiting.

What is dumping syndrome?

A condition that occurs due to rapid emptying of formula into the small intestine, causing symptoms like dizziness and rapid pulse.

What is refeeding syndrome?

A potentially fatal complication that occurs when a patient in a starvation state is started on enteral nutrition, requiring monitoring of respiratory, neurological, and cardiac status.

What should be done to prevent food poisoning in enteral nutrition?

Refrigerate unused portions promptly for up to 24 hours and replace feeding bags and administration tubing every 24 hours.

What are barriers to adequate nutrition related to poor dentition?

Dental caries and poorly fitting dentures can impair the ability to chew, especially in adults.

How can socioeconomic status affect nutrition?

Lack of money can be a barrier to purchasing healthy foods, and nutritious foods tend to be more expensive.

What impact do cognitive disorders have on nutrition?

Conditions like dementia can impair memory and judgment, making shopping, food selection, and preparation difficult.

What recommendations can help patients with altered sensory perception?

Serve foods cool to reduce aroma and recommend sucking on hard candies or chewing gum to counteract unusual tastes.

What should be done for patients with swallowing impairments?

Monitor for aspiration risk, allow time for eating, and teach patients to tuck their chins when swallowing.

What is the dietary recommendation for patients with mechanical fixation of the jaw?

Patients are generally placed on a liquid diet.

What is the importance of flushing the feeding tube?

Flushing with warm water helps maintain tube patency and should be done before and after medication administration.

What should be done if TPN solution shows signs of 'cracking'?

Do not use the solution if it has an oily appearance or a layer of fat on top.

What is the recommended action if a patient is NPO?

Provide meticulous oral care to maintain oral hygiene.

What is the maximum volume for bolus feeding?

700 mL, with a usual volume of 250-400 mL.

What should be monitored to prevent hyperglycemia during TPN?

Monitor serum and urine glucose levels and avoid increasing the flow rate to 'catch up'.

What are signs of metabolic complications in enteral nutrition?

Dehydration, hyperglycemia, electrolyte imbalances, fluid overload, and rapid weight gain.

What is the recommended action for managing tube misplacement?

Verify tube placement and monitor for aspiration risk.