Nutrition and Urinary System Overview

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards from lecture notes covering nutrition, urinary system, dietary considerations, and factors affecting health.

What is Nutrition?

The process of how your body uses food for growth, energy, and repair.

What are Nutrients?

The ingredients in food that your body needs, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

What is Malnutrition?

A condition that occurs when you don’t get enough nutrients or consume too much of one type.

What are the Six Classes of Nutrients?

Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids (fats), vitamins, minerals, and water.

Energy Nutrients provide what?

Calories.

Which nutrients do not provide calories?

Vitamins, minerals, and water.

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

A formula that compares your weight and height to indicate if a person is underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.

High BMI indicates what?

Higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.

What is the main energy source for the body?

Carbohydrates.

What do Simple Carbohydrates provide?

Quick energy or sugar.

What is a Complete Protein?

A protein that contains all essential amino acids, examples include meat, fish, eggs, and soy.

What are Saturated Fats?

Solid fats from animal sources that can raise cholesterol levels.

How are Unsaturated Fats different from Saturated Fats?

Unsaturated fats are liquid and come from plant sources; they help lower cholesterol.

What is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein?

0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.

Why are proteins essential to the body?

They build and repair muscles, skin, and organs; every living cell requires them.

What percentage of daily calories should come from carbohydrates?

45–60%.

What are the two types of water-soluble vitamins?

Vitamins B and C.

Define Macrominerals.

Minerals that the body needs in larger amounts, such as calcium and sodium.

How much of the body weight is made up of water?

50–60%.

What are the key functions of Water in the body?

Digestion, absorption, circulation, and waste removal.

What is a Healthy Diet Guideline?

Eat from all food groups and choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

What factors affect nutrition?

Body health, social factors, and lifestyle choices.

What nutritional needs do infants and pregnant women have?

Increased nutrients compared to adults.

What is Nursing Intervention regarding Nutrition?

Teaching good nutrition and monitoring eating habits.

What is a Therapeutic Diet?

A diet specifically designed to manage medical conditions.

What does NG stand for in nutrition support?

Nasogastric tube feeding.

What is Parenteral Nutrition?

IV feeding through a central vein when the stomach/intestine cannot be used.

Main parts of the Urinary System?

Kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

How do Kidneys function?

They filter blood, balance water and electrolytes, and remove waste to form urine.

What is the function of the Bladder?

To store urine until it is ready to be voided.

What triggers Micturition?

Contraction of bladder muscles and relaxation of sphincters.

What does Anuria mean?

Less than 50 mL urine output in 24 hours.

How is Dysuria characterized?

Painful urination.

What affects Urinary elimination?

Developmental factors, food and fluids ingested, psychological states, and medications.

What is the significance of BUN and Creatinine levels?

They indicate kidney function.

What does a Culture and Sensitivity test check for?

To diagnose a urinary tract infection by identifying the bacteria present.

What is a Colostomy?

An opening created from the colon to the abdomen for waste elimination.

How can constipation be treated?

By increasing fiber intake and hydration.

What is the function of the large intestine?

To absorb water, form feces, and expel waste.

What are common symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?

Burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, and cloudy urine.

Define Urinary Incontinence.

The inability to control urination.

What is a Foley catheter?

A type of catheter that stays in the bladder. balloon

What is the difference between a Cleansing and a Retention Enema?

Cleansing enemas remove feces, while retention enemas lubricate the stool.

What triggers the urge to void?

Signals from the bladder as it fills with urine.

What is a primary consideration when caring for catheters?

To keep the drainage bag below the bladder.

What is a primary cause of urinary retention?

Obstruction of the urinary tract or nerve problems.

What practices help prevent food poisoning?

Refrigerate food promptly, wash hands, and avoid raw meat.

What is the function of the small intestine?

To digest food and absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.

What types of food promote regular bowel movement?

Fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods.

How does aging affect bowel elimination?

Older adults may struggle with constipation or bowel incontinence due to decreased motility.

What is the proper technique for stool collection?

Use medical aseptic technique and label the container properly.

What is the appearance of normal urine?

Light yellow and clear.

What causes urine to appear dark?

Dehydration or certain medications.

What does the presence of protein in urine indicate?

Potential kidney disease or infection.

What advice can minimize the risk of developing urinary stones?

Staying hydrated and limiting salt intake.

What are common tests to assess kidney function?

BUN, creatinine, and urinalysis tests.

When assessing bowel sounds, what does absent sounds indicate?

Potential bowel obstruction or ileus.

Why is a 24-hour urine collection important?

To assess kidney function and measure electrolytes.

How does peristalsis work?

It is a series of wave-like muscle contractions that moves food through the digestive tract.

What should be included in a diet for patients with a colostomy?

A low-fiber diet initially to prevent blockage.

What is the role of fiber in digestion?

It helps to regulate the body's bowel movements.

What is the role of electrolytes in body function?

They help maintain hydration, nerve function, and muscle contraction.

What is a Diet History involved in Nutritional Assessment?

Evaluating past eating habits, preferences, and restrictions.

What does the term ‘functional incontinence’ refer to?

Incontinence caused by factors outside the urinary tract, such as mobility issues.

What lifestyle changes can help manage hypertension?

Low-sodium diet, exercise, and stress management.

What is the purpose of a nasogastric tube?

To decompress the stomach or deliver nutrition.

What are signs of dehydration?

Dry mouth, fatigue, and dark urine.

What food types should be avoided with a colostomy?

Gas-producing foods such as beans, cabbage, and carbonated beverages.

What does glycosuria indicate?

The presence of sugar in the urine, often associated with diabetes.

What should be monitored in patients receiving TPN?

Signs of infection, fluid imbalance, and liver function.

What are the types of urinary catheters?

Straight, Foley, Coude, Triple lumen, and Suprapubic.

What is the role of potassium in diet?

Essential for heart and muscle function.

Define the term ‘anorexia’ in the context of nutrition.

An eating disorder characterized by an inability to maintain a healthy body weight.

What is hematuria?

The presence of blood in urine.

What is the significance of specific gravity in urine testing?

It measures urine concentration and hydration status.

What is a common issue with diuretics?

They can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

How can patients enhance their bowel health?

By increasing fiber and fluid intake, and engaging in regular physical activity.

What does the phrase 'macro = more, micro = mini amounts' refer to?

The distinction between macrominerals and microminerals.

What is the physiological response to stress regarding bowel habits?

Stress can alter gut motility leading to constipation or diarrhea.

What are signs of malnutrition?

Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and weakened immune response.

Which mineral is crucial for red blood cell production?

Iron.

What does a high sodium diet potentially lead to?

Increased blood pressure.

What is the purpose of a colonoscopy?

To visualize and assess the large intestine for abnormalities.

What are the risks associated with long-term catheterization?

Infection, bladder spasms, and urethral injury.

What is the function of the detrusor muscle?

It is responsible for bladder contraction during urination.

What factors can lead to increased urine output?

High fluid intake, diuretics, and certain medications.

How often should catheter bags be emptied?

Regularly, to prevent backflow and infection.

What are signs of a potential UTI?

Burning sensation, increased frequency, and strong-smelling urine.

What should be included in a healthy diet for kidney health?

Low protein, sodium, and potassium depending on the specific diagnosis.

What dietary modifications might benefit individuals with irritable bowel syndrome?

Avoiding trigger foods and increasing fiber.

What role does saliva play in digestion?

It begins the digestion of carbohydrates and lubricates the food.

What is a good method to prevent UTIs in women?

Wiping front to back and staying hydrated.

What is a common complication of high blood sugar over time?

Diabetic nephropathy leading to kidney failure.

Why is hydration crucial during exercise?

To replace fluids lost through sweating and maintain performance.

What is the role of enzymes in digestion?

To break down food into smaller, absorbable components.

How does food intake impact blood sugar levels?

Carbohydrate intake directly affects glucose levels.

What dietary approach is recommended for someone with hypertension?

The DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.

How should patients who have urinary incontinence be supported?

By promoting a regular toileting schedule and providing privacy.

What general eating behavior should be encouraged for healthy aging?

Balanced meals and maintenance of hydration.

What is the ideal position for bowel elimination?

Sitting with knees slightly raised.