Nutrition, Diets, and Medical Conditions: Key Concepts for Healthcare

Regular diet

A diet that contains all foods with a standard nutrient balance.

Therapeutic (modified) diet

A diet changed to meet a specific medical need.

Administrative dietitian

Does not provide direct patient care.

Selective menu

Allows patients to choose from foods that meet their needs.

"NPO"

Means nothing by mouth.

Foodborne illness

Commonly caused by cross contamination and temperature abuse.

Danger zone for food

The temperature range of 40-140°F.

Reheating leftovers

Must reach 165°F.

Trichinosis

Caused by the organism Trichinella spiralis.

Prescription drugs

Differ from OTC drugs because they require a doctor's order.

Generic drugs

Can be made after a drug patent expires.

Drug interaction

Tetracycline inhibits calcium absorption.

Herbal products

Are not well tested and safe for all.

Complementary medicine

Used along with medical care.

Placebo effect

A reason CAM appears to work.

CAM

Can delay a patient from receiving real treatment.

Enteral nutrition

Refers to nutrition through the GI tract.

Bolus feeding

Usually delivers 300-400 mL in 10 min.

Nasoduodenal tubes

Have lower aspiration risk than gastric tubes.

Gastric residual

Means the liquid remaining in the stomach after feeding.

PKU patients

Cannot convert phenylalanine into tyrosine.

Galactosemia

Involves failure to convert galactose into glucose.

Parenteral nutrition

Delivered through a vein.

Simple IV solutions

Do not provide complete nutrition; they only maintain fluid/electrolytes.

TPN

Must be infused into a central vein.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein.

Living will

States wishes for life-saving measures.

Hypermetabolism

Begins with glycogen depletion.

Metabolic rate during fasting

Decreases.

Cortisol

Causes protein breakdown.

Eicosanoids

Come from omega-6 fatty acids.

C-reactive protein

Increases during inflammation.

Refeeding syndrome

Occurs when nutrients are reintroduced too rapidly.

2nd-degree burn

Affects the epidermis and dermis.

COPD treatment

Includes small frequent meals.

Hypercapnia

Means high CO₂ in blood.

Dysphagia

Means difficulty swallowing.

GERD

Involves stomach contents entering the esophagus.

Risk factors for GERD

Include smoking, obesity, and pregnancy.

Caffeine

Can weaken the cardiac sphincter.

Peptic ulcers

May be caused by H. pylori, excess acid, and NSAIDs.

Dumping syndrome

Is due to rapid emptying into the jejunum.

High-carb foods

Reduce dumping syndrome.

Chronic pancreatitis

Requires enzyme replacement & low-fat diet.

Celiac disease

Requires eliminating wheat, rye, and barley.

Crohn's disease

Commonly causes inflammation of ileum + colon.

Diverticulitis

Requires avoiding foods with seeds.

Probiotics

Beneficial live bacteria.

Liver

Stores glycogen.

Hepatitis A

Transmitted through food/water.

Hyperammonemia

Occurs because the liver cannot convert ammonia to urea.

Cirrhosis

May require limiting sodium and protein.

Type 1 diabetes

Defined by insulin deficiency.

Hyperglycemia symptoms

Include all EXCEPT low urination.

Ketosis

Can occur in diabetes.

HbA1c

Measures long-term glucose control.

Hypoglycemia

Includes shakiness, confusion, and sweating.

Atherosclerosis

Involves fatty plaque buildup.

Hypertension

Means high blood pressure.

Stroke

Caused by oxygen deprivation in brain.

Aneurysm

Is a bulge in a vessel.

Feeding disabilities

May require caregiver assistance.

Clinical dietitians

Provide direct patient care.

Diet manuals

List foods allowed for each diet.

Acute phase proteins

Rise during inflammation.

Aldosterone

Causes kidneys to retain sodium.

Dyspnea

Can interfere with eating.

High fat foods

D.

NPO before surgery prevents

B. Aspiration

Full liquid diet includes

B. Milkshakes

Large intestine removal reduces nutrient absorption

False (affects fluid/electrolytes)

Inflammatory bowel disease example

B. Crohn's disease

Vitamin deficiency in chronic gastritis is often

B. B12

Mint tea can reduce nausea

True

Gastric bypass may result in

B. Dumping syndrome

Ammonia comes from breakdown of

B. Protein

Hepatitis B is spread through

blood/body fluids.

Type II diabetes treatment includes

B. Drugs improving insulin receptor sensitivity

Polyuria means

B. Excessive urination

Neuropathy is a complication of diabetes

True

Stroke symptoms may result from

B. Blocked blood flow

A caregiver is often required for

B. Feeding disabilities

Enteral formulas with whole proteins are

B. Intact

Continuous feedings run for

8-24 hours.

Main symptom of 1st-degree burn

B. Redness & pain

Fluid restriction is sometimes required in

B. Respiratory failure

Omega-3s may benefit

respiratory failure patients.

Aspiration pneumonia occurs when

B. Formula enters lungs

A gastrostomy tube is placed

C. Into stomach through skin

Simple IV is for

short-term use.

D5W stands for

B. 5% dextrose in water

In stress, metabolic rate

B. Increases

Hypermetabolism can lead to

B. Organ failure

Dyspnea may require

smaller meals.

Crohn's patients may require

B. Low fiber

Cirrhosis may cause

B. Hyperammonemia

Pancreatitis requires avoiding

B. Alcohol

Up to 50% of the small intestine can be removed with

minimal malabsorption.