CH24

Nutritional Care

Support and assessment of a patient's nutritional intake, including identification of allergies, special diets, and cultural considerations.

Food Intolerance

An adverse reaction to a food that does not involve the immune system.

NPO

A medical abbreviation meaning 'nothing by mouth' used to indicate that a patient should not consume any food or drink.

High Calorie, High Protein Diet

A therapeutic diet designed for patients who need extra calories and protein, often used in cases of malnutrition or recovery.

Diabetic Patient Monitoring

The process of observing a diabetic patient's food intake, meal tolerance, and blood glucose levels.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by excessive weight loss from self-starvation and an intense fear of gaining weight.

Hyperglycemia

A condition of elevated blood glucose levels, leading to increased thirst, frequent urination, and potential severe complications.

Enteral Feeding

A method of delivering nutrition directly to the gastrointestinal tract through a feeding tube.

Bolus Feeding

A type of intermittent tube feeding where a specified volume of formula is administered at set intervals.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

A form of nutrition provided intravenously, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract entirely.

Aspiration

Inhalation of food or liquid into the lungs, which can lead to serious complications.

PEG Tube

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy tube, used for long-term feeding directly into the stomach.

Food-Drug Interaction

A situation where food and medication interact, potentially altering medication effectiveness.

Therapeutic Diets

Diets prescribed to manage specific medical conditions or to aid in recovery from illnesses.

Mechanical Soft Diet

A diet designed for patients who have difficulty chewing, consisting of foods that are easy to swallow.

Electrolyte Levels

The concentrations of ions in the blood, which are essential for various bodily functions and need to be monitored.