Alterations in Fluid, Electrolytes, etc. - Nutritional

What is the primary source of glucose for cells?

carbohydrates to initiate energy production in the form of ATP

What role do vitamins and other substances play in metabolism?

They act as the "support staff" to facilitate the metabolic pathway

What happens to glucose levels after eating?

it rises (temporary hyperglycemia), triggering insulin secretion to help cells use glucose for energy

What happens to excess glucose when intake exceeds energy needs?

it is stored as glycogen in the liver, a process called glycogenesis

What occurs during hypoglycemia?

it triggers counterregulatory hormones to restore glucose levels

Which hormone are released from the adrenal medulla during hypoglycemia?

epinephrine

Which hormone are released from the adrenal cortex during hypoglycemia?

cortisol

Which hormone are released from the pituitary during hypoglycemia?

growth hormone (GH)

Which hormone are released from the pancreas during hypoglycemia?

glucagon

Why are the counterregulatory hormones called stress hormones?

They respond to the stress of low blood sugar by helping restore energy availability

What S&S do counterregulatory hormones signal?

they cause hunger, shakiness, sweating, and irritability to prompt eating

What happens if you don’t eat during hypoglycemia?

The body initiates a backup plan, where glucagon converts glycogen into glucose

What is glycogenolysis?

A process stimulated by glucagon that breaks down glycogen (in the liver) to increase blood glucose levels, correcting hypoglycemia

Why does glycogenolysis occur multiple times a day?

It serves as a stopgap measure to provide glucose for energy when immediate oral intake is unavailable

What happens if glycogen stores are exhausted?

The body shifts to gluconeogenesis

What is gluconeogenesis?

A process where the body uses non-carbohydrate substances (like fats and proteins) to generate energy

What is the product that comes from breaking down fats & proteins?

ketones

What is a positive characteristic of ketones?

it can provide a temporary energy source when glucose is unavailable

What are two negative characteristics of ketones?

• Ketones are acidic, which can lead to acidosis over time

• Brain cells cannot use ketones and require glucose for energy

What is McArdle’s disease?

an autosomal recessive disease in which which normal ability to breakdown muscle glycogen (glycogenolysis) is diminished

S&S from McArdle’s disease

muscle weakness & cramps during exercise because of no energy reserves

What is Type 1 diabetes mellitus?

when someone doesn’t produce insulin and the body turns to sustained gluconeogenesis

What is the negative effect of having sustained glyconeogenesis from Type 1 diabetes mellitus?

it causes hyperketonemia (high levels of ketones in the blood)

How is hyperketonemia detected?

By a blood test showing high levels of serum ketones

What is ketonuria?

A condition where ketones are found in urine, detectable by a urine test

What is acetone breath?

A symptom of hyperketonemia where ketones are excreted through the lungs, producing a distinctive odor “fruity smell”

What begins the metabolic pathway?

Glucose initiates the metabolic pathway, but vitamins and minerals are needed to optimize ATP production

Why are vitamins and minerals important?

They are essential nutrients required in small amounts to support metabolic processes and overall well-being

Can the body produce all necessary vitamins?

No, most vitamins and minerals must be obtained through diet as the body cannot produce them in sufficient quantities

What causes vitamin deficiencies in underdeveloped countries?

A lack of access to sufficient food

What causes vitamin deficiencies in the U.S.?

Poor dietary habits or chronic diseases

Which patient group is at high risk for vitamin deficiencies?

Alcoholics due to poor diet and insufficient intake of iron and B vitamins like thiamine

What condition can result from iron deficiency?

Iron-deficiency anemia, which causes symptoms like weakness, shortness of breath (SOB), and fatigue

What is thiamine deficiency called?

beriberi

Why is thiamine (B1) important?

it’s crucial for neurological function, including brain tissue, and its deficiency often leads to neurological symptoms

What are examples of neurological issues from thiamine deficiency?

• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

• paresthesia

What is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

associated with alcoholism and manifested as memory loss and ataxia

What is paresthesia? (associated w/thiamine deficiency)

numbness & tingling or other unusual sensations, usually in legs

• also seen in B12 deficiency

How can various drugs interfere with the disruption in the metabolic pathway?

some medicinal & street drugs may interfere with vitamin absorption

How can cyanide interfere with the disruption in the metabolic pathway?

it inhibits cytochrome oxidase, disrupting cellular respiration

Where is cyanide commonly found?

in insecticides, rodenticides, metal polishes, burning wool/silk, certain drugs (ex: nitroprusside), and is considered a potential bioterrorism agent

What are the symptoms of cyanide toxicity?

headache, agitation, confusion, vomiting, respiratory problems, and can lead to death