Nutritional Support and Malnutrition

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to nutritional support and malnutrition, designed to aid in exam preparation.

Malnutrition

A condition resulting from improper or inadequate diet, leading to health problems.

Enteral Nutrition (EN)

Nutrition delivered directly into the gastrointestinal tract via a tube, stoma, or catheter.

Parenteral Nutrition (PN)

Nutritional support provided intravenously, directly into the bloodstream.

Sarcopenia

The loss of muscle mass and strength associated with aging.

Aspiration

Inhalation of food or fluids into the lungs, which can cause severe respiratory complications.

Dysphagia

Difficulty in swallowing, often seen in patients after a stroke.

Xerostomia

Dry mouth condition which can be caused by medications.

Protein-Rich Foods

Foods that are high in protein, crucial for maintaining muscle mass, especially in older adults.

Tube Feeding

Delivery of a nutritionally balanced formula through a tube placed directly into the stomach or intestines.

Bolus Feeding

Feeding method that delivers a specific amount of nutrition over a short period, providing better satiety.

Gastrostomy

A procedure for placing a tube through the abdominal wall into the stomach for feeding.

Jejunostomy

Placement of a feeding tube into the jejunum, often to reduce aspiration risk.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Complete intravenous nutrition supplying all daily caloric requirements to patients unable to use their GI tract.

Refeeding Syndrome

A potentially fatal condition that can occur when feeding is restarted in malnourished patients, causing electrolyte imbalances.

Oral Supplements

Nutritional products, like milkshakes and puddings, taken orally to assist with dietary needs.

Nutritional Assessment

A comprehensive evaluation of an individual's dietary intake and nutritional status.

Community Resources

Support services available to assist individuals with their nutritional needs, such as Meals on Wheels.

Nutrition Supplement

Products designed to provide additional nutrition, often high in calories and protein.

Functional Limitations

Health-related issues that restrict a person's ability to perform daily activities.

Bedside Tests

Tests performed at the patient's bedside to confirm tube placement and detect potential complications.

pH Testing

A test used to confirm the placement of feeding tubes by checking the acidity of stomach contents.

Nutritional Support

Interventions and practices aimed at improving nutritional status and health outcomes.

Hydration

Maintaining adequate fluid intake, crucial for patients receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition.

Care Site Protocol

Guidelines for assessing and managing the insertion site of feeding tubes.

Patient Positioning

Adjusting a patient's head position during tube feeds to minimize aspiration risk.

Dietary Education

Information provided to patients to help them make informed dietary choices.

Functional Impairment

Limited ability to perform everyday tasks due to physical or cognitive limitations.