Question 1

The most common nutrition deficiency related to surgery is a. vitamin C. b. iron. c. protein. d. essential fatty acids.

Accepted Answer

c. protein. Protein deficiencies among surgical patients are the most common. Protein is needed to replace losses during surgery and to supply increased demands of the healing process.

Question 2

Before general surgery, nothing is given by mouth for at least _____ hours. a. 4 b. 8 c. 12 d. 24

Accepted Answer

b. 8 Nothing is given by mouth for at least 8 hours before surgery to avoid serious complications such as aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs.

Question 3

Protein is especially needed in the postoperative recovery period for a. energy. b. control of edema. c. control of hypertension. d. optimal kidney function.

Accepted Answer

b. control of edema. In addition to the protein losses from the body during surgery, other losses of protein from the body occur, including plasma protein loss from hemorrhage, wound bleeding, and various other body fluid losses or exudates. Protein assists in the maintenance of osmotic pressure, which is necessary to maintain normal movement of fluid between the capillaries and surrounding tissue. Without maintenance of osmotic pressure, edema develops.

Question 4

For a patient who can take an oral diet, an example of a primary source of energy during the postoperative period should be a. meat. b. cereals and other grains. c. lemonade and sodas. d. fried potatoes.

Accepted Answer

b. cereals and other grains. the primary source of energy for the body should be carbohydrates.

Question 5

An important function of carbohydrates in the postoperative period is to a. provide substrates for tissue repair. b. provide a source of vitamins. c. spare protein for tissue synthesis. d. protect the adipose reserves.

Accepted Answer

c. spare protein for tissue synthesis. Carbohydrates provide the necessary energy for the body to meet increased energy needs while also sparing protein for tissue synthesis.

Question 6

Two minerals that are lost during tissue catabolism are a. sodium and chloride. b. calcium and magnesium. c. iron and sodium d. potassium and phosphorus

Accepted Answer

d. potassium and phosphorus. Potassium and phosphorus are lost during tissue catabolism. When tissue is broken down, cell potassium and phosphorus are lost. Potassium functions in metabolic reactions by playing a role in the storage of nitrogen in muscle protein. Phosphorus also contributes to energy and protein metabolism and to cell function as an essential component of cell enzymes, which control cell reproduction.

Question 7

Blood losses may result in a deficiency of a. calcium. b. glucose. c. iron. d. vitamin C.

Accepted Answer

c. iron. Iron-deficiency anemia may result from blood loss or faulty iron absorption.

Question 8

Fluid loss is accompanied by loss of the electrolytes a. sodium and chloride. b. calcium and magnesium. c. iron and zinc. d. potassium and phosphorus.

Accepted Answer

a. sodium and chloride. During the postoperative period, large water losses may occur as a result of vomiting, hemorrhage, fever, or excessive urination. Because sodium is the major guardian of extracellular fluid, losses will occur with losses of water. Chloride losses also occur because it is also widely distributed within the extracellular compartment. Intravenous fluid can help replenish fluid, sodium, and chloride.

Question 9

The vitamin needed to cement new tissues during the healing process is vitamin a. A. b. C. c. B12. d. K.

Accepted Answer

b. C. Vitamin C is necessary to build and maintain strong tissues, especially connective tissues. The major protein involved in fibrous connective tissue is collagen. For the body to synthesis collagen, the amino acid proline must undergo a hydroxylation reaction yielding hydroxyproline. This hydroxylation reaction depends on ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is also necessary for the conversion of other amino acids needed for tissue healing

Question 10

Commercial enteral feeding formulas are preferred to blenderized food because they a. have a thinner consistency. b. carry less risk of bacterial growth and infection. c. are better tolerated. d. are less expensive.

Accepted Answer

b. carry less risk of bacterial growth and infection. Commercially prepared enteral feeding formulas provide a sterile, homogenized solution available for the more comfortable, modern, small-bore feeding tubes and ensure a fixed profile of nutrients in intact or predigested form.

Question 11

The majority of postsurgical patients are encouraged to return to a regular oral diet as soon as possible because a. they may become dehydrated. b. regular food helps stimulate the gastrointestinal tract. c. parenteral feedings are not very nutritious. d. the kidneys may be overtaxed by parenteral feedings.

Accepted Answer

b. regular food helps stimulate the gastrointestinal tract. Oral, regular feedings allow more needed nutrients to be added and help stimulate the normal action of the gastrointestinal tract.

Question 12

After surgery, oral feedings can begin as soon as a. bowel sounds return. b. the patient is conscious. c. the patient's appetite returns. d. the patient is adequately hydrated.

Accepted Answer

a. bowel sounds return. Oral feedings can be resumed after surgery once the gastrointestinal tract is functioning, usually indicated by the presence of bowel sounds.

Question 13

Patients who have had surgery of the head, neck, or throat may require a. a clear liquid diet. b. a full liquid diet. c. tube feedings. d. a low-residue diet.

Accepted Answer

c. tube feedings. When regular oral feedings are not tolerated or the patient is severely debilitated or has undergone radical neck or face surgery, feedings by tube may be necessary.

Question 14

The parts of the gastrointestinal tract that are joined in a total gastrectomy are the a. stomach and large intestine. b. esophagus and stomach. c. esophagus and small intestine. d. duodenum and colon.

Accepted Answer

c. esophagus and small intestine. A total gastrectomy involves joining the esophagus to small intestine. This type of surgical intervention can result in serious nutrition deficits immediately after surgery.

Question 15

For several days after a gastrectomy, meals should be a. withheld. b. liquid and at room temperature. c. small, frequent, and easily digested. d. low in fiber.

Accepted Answer

c. small, frequent, and easily digested. After a gastrectomy, meals should be small, frequent, and easily digested. Frequent small feedings are generally resumed according to a patient’s tolerance. A typical pattern of simply dietary progression may cover a 2-week period.

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Chapter 22: Surgery and Nutrition Support Flashcards

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