Case Study and Nutrition Overview

Case Study: Janet Fox (J. F.)

• Patient Profile:

  • Age: 56-year-old female

  • Presenting Complaints: Fatigue, headache, trouble concentrating, nausea, frequent urination, increased thirst

  • Medical History: Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia; quit smoking 8 years ago

  • Current Medications:

  • Lisinopril 10 mg/day

  • Simvastatin 20 mg at bedtime

• Initial Assessment:

  • Vital Signs:

  • Height: 5'2", Weight: 175 lbs

  • Temp: 98.2°F, Pulse: 96 regular, Respirations: 20 regular, BP: 118/74, O2 Sat: 93%

  • Blood Glucose: Fingerstick blood glucose 262 mg/dL; urine negative for ketones

  • Physical Examination:

  • A&O x4; slight shortness of breath; lungs clear; 1+ edema to ankles bilaterally

  • Bowel sounds present; last bowel movement: yesterday; skin turgor elastic

• Family History: Heart disease; mother died of complications from diabetes.

• Diagnosis: Newly diagnosed diabetic.

Nutrition Overview

• Nutrition Importance: Essential for tissue growth, energy production, and overall health maintenance.

• Nutritional Balance: Critical for proper body functioning and prevention of chronic diseases (heart disease, diabetes, etc.)

• Malnutrition: Involves imbalances in nutrient intake; a public health issue.

• Healthy Eating:

  • Reduces chronic disease risks through proper nutrient choices.

  • Emphasizes total nutritional quality over calorie counting.

  • U.S. Healthy People 2030 aims to promote balanced diets and reduce health disparities.

Normal Structure and Function

• Health Factors: Nutrition, exercise, weight management, and rest are vital for preventing life-threatening conditions.

• Relationship: Poor nutrition and lack of exercise correlate with health issues such as:

  • Heart disease

  • Cancer

  • Diabetes, etc.

Metabolism

• Definition: Chemical processes converting nutrients into usable energy.

• Processes:

  • Anabolism: Building complex substances (energy-using).

  • Catabolism: Breaking down substances (energy-releasing). Waste

• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): Minimum energy needed for body functions at rest.

Nutrients

Macronutrients

1. Carbohydrates:

   • Source of energy (4 kcal/gram).

   • Types: Simple (quick energy) & complex (long-lasting energy and fiber).

   • Daily recommendation: ~50% of caloric intake.

2. Fats:

   • Source of energy (9 kcal/gram).

   • Types: Saturated, unsaturated (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated).

   • Daily recommendation: 20%-35% of caloric intake.

3. Proteins:

   • Essential for tissue maintenance and energy.

   • Sources: Animal products (complete); plant sources (incomplete but can form complete proteins through combinations).

   • Daily recommendation: 5.5 ounces on a 2000-calorie diet (15% of total energy intake).

Micronutrients

• Vitamins: Essential for metabolic functions; classified as fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble (C and B complex).

  • Fat-Soluble: Store in liver, toxicity possible (e.g., Vitamin A for vision, Vitamin D for bones).

  • Water-Soluble: Must be consumed daily, not stored. (e.g., Vitamin C for immunity, B vitamins for energy).

Water

• Vital for temperature control, fluid balance, nutrient transport.

• Comprises ~60% of body weight; necessary for all physiological functions.

Conclusion

• Proper nutrition is foundational for maintaining health and preventing disease.

• Health professionals should guide patients in making informed dietary choices to enhance overall well-being and quality of life.