Nutrition and Hydration

These flashcards cover key concepts related to nutrition and hydration in a healthcare context, emphasizing the importance of nutrients, dietary guidelines, and practical assistance for residents.

What are the six basic nutrients essential for proper nutrition?

Water, Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats, Vitamins, Minerals.

What is nutrition?

Nutrition is how the body uses food to maintain health.

Define nutrient.

A nutrient is a necessary substance that provides energy, promotes growth and health, and helps regulate metabolism.

What are complex carbohydrates?

Complex carbohydrates are carbohydrates that are broken down by the body into simple sugars for energy, found in foods such as bread, cereal, potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, and fruits.

What are simple carbohydrates?

Simple carbohydrates are carbohydrates found in foods such as sugars, sweets, syrups, and jellies that have little nutritional value.

Why is water considered the most essential nutrient for life?

Without water, a person can only live for a few days, and it aids in digestion, absorption of food, elimination of wastes, and maintaining normal body temperature.

What are the functions of carbohydrates in nutrition?

Carbohydrates provide energy, extra protein, and fiber.

List three sources of protein.

Seafood, poultry, meat, eggs, milk, cheese, nuts, legumes.

What are the four categories of fats?

Saturated, trans, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated.

What is a vitamin?

A vitamin is a substance needed by the body to function, with fat-soluble vitamins being A, D, E, and K, and water-soluble vitamins being B and C.

What role do minerals play in the body?

Minerals maintain body functions, help build bones, make hormones, and assist in blood formation.

What is MyPlate and its purpose?

MyPlate is a visual guide created by the USDA to help people balance their meals with fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy.

What is dehydration?

Dehydration is a serious condition resulting from an inadequate amount of fluid in the body.

What are some signs of dehydration?

Dry mouth, cracked lips, sunken eyes, dark urine, strong-smelling urine, weight loss, fatigue.

What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing.

Define aspiration in the context of swallowing issues.

Aspiration is the inhalation of food, drink, or foreign material into the lungs.

What is the proper sitting position for eating to minimize aspiration risks?

Residents should be placed in an upright position at a 90-degree angle.

What are thickened liquids and why are they used?

Thickened liquids improve the ability to control fluid in the mouth and throat, beneficial for residents with swallowing difficulties.

What is the purpose of I&O monitoring?

I&O (intake and output) monitoring helps assess a resident's fluid balance, ensuring proper hydration and health.

What is a therapeutic diet?

A therapeutic diet consists of diets prescribed for people who have certain illnesses, conditions, or food allergies.

What is the guideline for serving liquids to a resident?

The liquid should be served at a safe temperature and offered in manageable quantities to prevent choking.

Define NPO.

NPO stands for 'nothing by mouth,' a medical order indicating that a person should not consume anything.

What measures can NAs take to assist residents in maintaining fluid balance?

Encourage residents to drink, offer fluids frequently, and report any signs of dehydration.

How should NAs assist residents with special needs during meals?

Use assistive devices as needed, provide verbal and physical cues, and ensure food is placed within the resident's field of vision.

What role does the dietary department play in a healthcare facility?

The dietary department is responsible for meeting residents' nutritional needs, taking into account their likes and dislikes, and ensuring food safety.