Nutrition Med-Surg Review Flashcards

Vocabulary based flashcards covering nutrition concepts, medications, lab values, and clinical scenarios like GERD and Pyloric Stenosis.

Nutrition

The science of optimal cellular metabolism and how food/nutrients affect the growth and repair of the body.

MACROnutrients

Carbohydrates, protein, and fat which are needed in large amounts for energy.

MICROnutrients

Vitamins and minerals which are needed in small amounts.

Hunger

A drive to eat triggered by hypothalamus chemical mediators to meet metabolic needs.

Enteral Nutrition

Tube feeding; the preferred method of nutritional support when the GI tract is functional because it maintains gut integrity.

Parenteral Nutrition

IV-based nutritional support used when the GI tract is nonfunctional.

Cracked Solution

A parenteral solution that appears oily or contain precipitates, which signifies it must not be used.

Antacids

Medications like calcium carbonate taken $1-3 \, \text{hrs}$ after meals and at HS for short-term relief.

PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors)

Medications ending in '-zole' (e.g., Omeprazole) taken $30-60 \, \text{min}$ BEFORE meals; long-term use can decrease calcium absorption and lead to osteoporosis.

H2 Blockers

Medications such as Famotidine that may cause confusion or agitation in older adults.

Sucralfate (Carafate)

A medication taken on an empty stomach $1 \, \text{hr}$ before meals to coat ulcers; must be separated from other meds by $2 \, \text{hrs}$.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

A condition primarily caused by an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Barrett's Esophagus

A complication of long-standing GERD involving changes to the esophageal lining that can lead to adenocarcinoma.

24-hr ambulatory pH monitoring

The gold standard diagnostic test for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis

A mechanical blockage caused by a thickened pyloric sphincter, most common in firstborn males.

Pyloric Stenosis Vomiting

Projectile non-bilious vomiting occurring $30-60 \, \text{min}$ after feeding.

Olive-shaped mass

A palpable mass in the RUQ/umbilicus indicative of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

Pyloric Stenosis Electrolyte Imbalance

Early indicators include metabolic alkalosis (decreased $Cl$, increased $HCO_3$); later indicators include acidosis and hypokalemia.

ESSR Method

A feeding technique for infants with cleft lip/palate: Enlarge nipple, Stimulate suck, Swallow, and Rest.

Gastric Ulcer (PUD)

A peptic ulcer where pain typically occurs $30-60 \, \text{min}$ after eating.

Duodenal Ulcer (PUD)

A peptic ulcer where pain occurs $2-3 \, \text{hrs}$ after meals and often wakes the patient at night.

Serum Albumin

A lab value used to assess nutrition with a normal range of $3.8-5.0 \, g/dL$.

Total Protein

A lab value used to assess nutrition with a normal range of $6.0-8.0 \, g/dL$.

Cholesterol

A lab value with a normal threshold of $160-200 \, mg/dL$.

Significant Weight Loss

A loss of $\ge 10\%$ of usual weight, indicating impaired nutritional status.

Pyloric Stenosis Ultrasound Criteria

Diagnostic findings where the muscle is $>4 \, mm$ thick or the channel length is $>14 \, mm$.

Enteral Residual

The amount of feeding remaining in the stomach; $<150 \, mL$ is generally acceptable before the next feed.

Aspiration Prevention

The practice of maintaining the head of the bed (HOB) at $30-45^\circ$ during tube feedings.

Rebound Hypoglycemia Prevention

The action of hanging $D10W$ at the same rate if TPN runs out before the next bag is ready.