Nutrition and Nutritional Assessment

Flashcards focused on key nutrition concepts, terms, and definitions useful for understanding nutritional assessments and dietary guidelines.

Nitrogen Balance

Refers to the relationship between protein breakdown (catabolism) and protein synthesis (anabolism).

Negative Nitrogen Balance

Indicates a state where protein is being used faster than it is synthesized, often seen in starvation or disease.

Positive Nitrogen Balance

Indicates that protein synthesis is greater than protein breakdown, typical during growth, pregnancy, or recovery.

BMI

Body Mass Index; a measurement that compares weight to height to estimate body fat.

Hydration Needs

Healthy adults need approximately 2,000 to 3,000 mL (2 to 3 L) of water daily.

Albumin Levels

Used to assess protein levels in the body, with normal reference ranges between 3.5 to 5 g/dL.

Thyroxine-Binding Protein

A sensitive marker in nutritional assessments, often affected by inflammation.

Diet History

An assessment that includes usual foods, fluids, and supplements consumed to determine nutritional adequacy.

Food Insecurity

A lack of reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable, nutritious food.

Cultural Food Preferences

Food choices influenced by social and cultural contexts that can affect nutritional status.

Physical Assessment Indicators for Malnutrition

Signs may include dry skin, hair loss, poor wound healing, and muscle wasting.

Major Nutrients

Include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals essential for health.

Essential Nutrients

Nutrients that the body cannot manufacture on its own and must be obtained through diet.

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs)

Nutrient intake levels considered sufficient to meet the dietary needs of nearly all healthy individuals.

Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)

A set of reference values used to plan and assess nutrient intakes for healthy people.