Nutrition - Chapter 1

What are the main factors that determine nutritional needs?

Life stage, health-illness, cultural and religious preferences, genetic influences.

What is the definition of nutrition?

The study of how food nourishes the body based on requirements for energy, growth, reproduction, and lactation.

What is malnutrition?

Excess, deficiencies, or imbalance of nutrients.

What are the two categories of nutrients?

Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals).

What is the difference between essential and nonessential nutrients?

Essential nutrients require a dietary source, while nonessential nutrients can be synthesized by the body.

What role do nurses play in nutrition?

Promoting good nutrition and identifying health needs, while working with Registered Dietitians.

What is the role of a Registered Dietitian (RD)?

Complete nutrition assessments, write nutrition diagnoses, plan interventions, and monitor nutrition care.

What is nutrition screening?

A simplified assessment that quickly identifies those at risk for poor nutritional health.

What methods can be used to assess dietary intake?

24-hour recall, food diary, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and calorie counts in hospitals.

What does Body Mass Index (BMI) estimate?

The amount of body fat in relation to age, height, and weight.

What are the classifications of BMI?

Underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese.

What are Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)?

Canadian & US standards for recommended intake of the population, outlined by age and gender.

What does the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) indicate?

The intake level that meets the needs of 50% of the population.

What is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)?

The amount considered to meet the needs of 97-98% of the population.

What does Adequate Intake (AI) represent?

Similar to RDA, but based on insufficient evidence to establish an RDA.

What is the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)?

The maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects.

What information does a Nutrition Facts label provide?

Serving size, macro and micronutrient content based on serving size, and % Daily Value (% DV).

What is the importance of capturing the timing and location of food consumption?

To understand the emotional and health state when consumed and physical activity level.

What is anthropometric data?

Physical measurements such as height, weight, and skinfold/circumference measurements.

Why is no single laboratory value sufficient for assessing nutritional status?

Each lab value only provides a part of the overall nutritional assessment picture.

What can low hemoglobin levels indicate?

Potential low iron levels.

What can low albumin levels indicate?

Potential low protein, inflammation, infection, or liver disease.

What is the significance of understanding Nutrition Facts Tables for nurses?

It helps nurses educate patients on dietary choices and nutritional content.