nutrition and hydration

A nutrient is a necessary substance that promotes energy, growth, health, and helps regulate metabolism.
- Metabolism: The process by which nutrients are broken down to be used by the body.

The most essential nutrient for survival.
- A person can only live a few days without it.
- Functions:
  - Aids in digestion and waste elimination.
  - Maintains normal body temperature.

Supply the body with energy and additional protein.
Provide dietary fiber necessary for bowel elimination.
- Examples include:
  - Bread, cereal, potatoes.

Help store energy and add flavor to food.
Important for the absorption of certain vitamins.
- Types of fats include:
  - Monounsaturated fat
  - Saturated fat

Essential for various bodily functions.
- Must be obtained from certain foods.
  - Types:
    - Fat-soluble
    - Water-soluble

Assist in building bones, making hormones, and blood formation.
- Examples include:
  - Zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium.

MyPlate provides recommendations for building a healthy meal. It includes:
- Vegetables and Fruits:
  - Should make up half of the plate.
  - Dark green, red, and orange veggies offer the best nutrition.
  - Preferred fruit forms are whole, cut, or pureed.
- Grains:
  - Best choices are whole grains.
  - Examples include oatmeal and pasta.
- Protein:
  - Animal sources include meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.
  - Plant sources include beans, peas, soy, nuts, and seeds.
- Dairy:
  - Choices should be fat-free (0%) or low-fat (1%).
  - Milk provides calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein.

Low Sodium Diet: For patients with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease; salt is restricted.
Fluid Restricted Diet: For those with severe kidney damage or heart disease to prevent further damage.
Low Protein Diet: Recommended for people with kidney disease, focusing on foods like breads and pastas.
Low Fat Diet: For heart disease patients to reduce saturated fat intake.
Modified Calorie Diet: May be used for weight loss or maintenance.
Diabetic Diet: Caloric intake and carbohydrates monitored; may involve carbohydrate counting.
Vegetarian Diet: Can be for health, religious beliefs, compassion for animals, or dislike of meat.
Vegan Diet: Entirely plant-based, excluding all animal products.
Pescatarian Diet: Excludes meat and poultry, but includes fish and seafood.
Liquid Diet: Used to keep intestine free of food; may be clear or full.
Soft Diet: Comprises soft or chopped foods that are easy to chew; hard-to-chew foods are restricted.
Puree Diet: Food is ground to a paste-like consistency, requiring no chewing.

Proper hydration prevents constipation and urinary incontinence.
NPO: Stands for Nothing by Mouth (no food or drink).
Dehydration: Results from insufficient fluid intake.
Fluid Imbalance: Occurs when the body struggles with fluid consumption, affecting individuals with kidney or heart issues. Symptoms include:
- Edema (swelling)
- Weight gain
- Decreased urine output

Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing.
For dysphagia, soft foods and liquids are served.
- Thickened liquid consistencies include:
  - Nectar Thick: Thicker than water, similar to tomato juice.
  - Honey Thick: Has a honey-like texture and pours slowly.
  - Pudding Thick: Semi-solid consistency like pudding.
IDDSI: Developed levels to classify food textures and drink thickness.

Aspiration: Inhalation of food or fluid into lungs.
Parenteral Nutrition: Nutrient solutions are provided directly into the bloodstream.
Feeding Tubes:
- Nasogastric Tube: Inserted through the nose to the stomach.
- PEG Tube: Inserted through the abdominal wall.
- Ensure the head of the bed is elevated at 30 degrees during feeding; patients should remain upright for 30 minutes afterward.

Use assistive devices when appropriate.
For vision-impaired residents, use the face of an imaginary clock to explain food position.
Place food on the stronger side of the mouth for stroke survivors.
Residents with Parkinson's may require assistance due to tremors, employing a hand-over-hand technique to promote independence.