Nutrition and Enteral Feeding Module Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering nutritional assessment, anthropometry, enteral/parenteral nutrition, diabetes management, dysphagia, and related nursing care as described in the notes.

Nutritional assessment

Process to evaluate nutritional status, including cultural/spiritual/personal preferences, anthropometry, labs, dietary/health history, clinical observation, and patient goals.

Anthropometry

Systematic measurement of body size, weight, and proportions (e.g., height, weight, waist circumference) used in nutrition assessment.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

Screening measure of body fat based on height and weight to assess nutritional status.

IBW (Ideal Body Weight)

Reference weight used to evaluate whether a person's nutrition status is adequate.

Prealbumin

Protein status marker used in nutrition assessment; responds quickly to changes; normal range roughly 15–36 mg/dL.

Prealbumin reference range

15–36 mg/dL.

Prealbumin prognosis categories

Nitrogen balance

Difference between nitrogen intake (protein intake × 6.25) and nitrogen output; positive balance supports anabolism.

Nitrogen intake calculation

Total daily protein intake (g) × 6.25.

Urinary urea nitrogen (24-hour)

Measurement of nitrogen output over 24 hours used to calculate nitrogen balance.

Unintended weight loss thresholds

Weight loss >5% in 30 days or >10% in 180 days signals need for complete nutritional assessment.

Enteral nutrition

Nutrition delivered through the GI tract (oral or tube feeding).

Nasogastric (NG) tube

A tube inserted through the nose into the stomach for short-term enteral feeding.

Nasointestinal (nasal/enteric) tube

Tube passed through the nose into the small intestine for feeding when gastric feeding is unsuitable.

Enteral feeding solutions

Commercial formulas used for tube feeding; come in various formulations to meet caloric and nutrient needs.

Indications for enteral tube placement

When oral intake is inadequate or unsafe, to ensure adequate nutrition and hydration.

Methods for checking tube placement

Preferred methods include radiographic confirmation; others include pH testing of aspirate and measurement of tube length.

Small bore nasogastric tube insertion and securing

Procedure to insert a small-bore NG tube for feeding and secure it to prevent dislodgement.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, increasing risk of aspiration and impacting feeding strategies.

Swallow examination

Formal assessment by a clinician (often a speech-language pathologist) to determine swallowing safety and the diet plan.

Thickened liquids

liquids thickened to safer consistencies to reduce aspiration risk during swallowing.

Adaptive feeding devices

Tools such as sipping cups or large-handled utensils to promote independence in eating.

Parenteral nutrition

Nutritional support delivered intravenously when the GI tract cannot be used.

Diabetes mellitus

Metabolic disorder characterized by impaired insulin action/secretion affecting blood glucose control.

Glucometer

Device used to rapidly measure blood glucose levels.

Insulin types

Categories include rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulins.

Insulin delivery methods

Approaches such as subcutaneous injections and insulin pumps.

Hypoglycemia management

Immediate treatment to raise blood glucose (e.g., fast-acting carbohydrates) and adjust therapy as prescribed.

Hyperglycemia management

Strategies to lower elevated blood glucose, including insulin adjustments and monitoring.

Measuring blood glucose

Technique for obtaining and interpreting blood glucose readings using a glucometer.

Scope of PN practice

Nurse practitioner scope as defined by state regulations; PN practice varies by state and supervision requirements.

Joint Commission nutrition screening timing

Nutritional screening may be required within 24 hours of admission in some settings.

Nutritional screening tools

Brief instruments (e.g., MST, SGA, MNA) used to identify at-risk patients for full nutritional assessment.

Diet history

Documentation of usual dietary intake and patterns collected during assessment.

Clinical nutrition outcomes

Nutritional status influences morbidity, mortality, healthcare costs, and quality of life; assessment guides care planning.