Chapter 5: Nutrition Flashcards
Why do preterm infants have higher caloric needs than term infants?
Preterm infants have immature body systems and medical problems, requiring high calorie intake (up to 160 mL/kg/day).
What are the main medical concerns related to feeding preterm infants?
Immature body systems, fluid needs that must be adjusted to their condition, and elevated risk for dehydration due to increased surface area-to-mass ratio and decreased renal absorption capacity.
How does their increased surface area to mass ratio impact their fluid needs?
It increases their risk for dehydration.
Why are preterm infants at a higher risk for dehydration?
They have an increased surface area-to-mass ratio and decreased renal absorption capacity.
What specialized feeding methods may be required for preterm infants?
They may require specialized formulas and careful monitoring of formula tolerance.
How should a nurse assess an infant’s tolerance to formula?
By monitoring the infant’s response to feeding.
Why might a preterm infant require a specialty formula?
Due to their medical condition and nutritional needs.
What factors must be monitored when evaluating the growth of preterm infants?
Growth must be carefully monitored.
Why do term infants still require high fluid intake?
Fluid requirements remain high at 140-160 mL/kg/day.
What percentage of calories do term infants receive from fat?
About 50% of their calories come from fat.
Why is breastmilk the recommended nutritional source for infants?
It is easily digested, well absorbed, and provides essential amino acids, fatty acids, iron, and calcium.
How often do breastfed babies need to eat compared to formula-fed babies?
Breastfed babies feed more frequently because breastmilk breaks down quickly.
What metabolic and growth factors contribute to a term infant’s nutritional requirements?
High metabolic rate and growth, requiring 100-115 kcal/kg/day at 1 month.
What makes breastmilk easily digestible and well absorbed?
It contains essential amino acids and is rich in essential fatty acids.
What key nutrients in breastmilk support an infant’s development?
Essential amino acids, fatty acids, iron, and calcium.
How does breastmilk promote gastrointestinal function?
It fosters immune defense and enhances gut health.
What are the psychological and economic advantages of breastfeeding?
It provides bonding benefits for the mother and baby and is cost-effective.
What are the main types of infant formulas?
Milk-based, soy-based, and specialized formulas for conditions like phenylketonuria (PKU) and allergies.
Why might a specialized formula be necessary?
For infants with medical conditions such as PKU or allergies.
What is the core message regarding infant feeding?
“Fed is Best.”
What is weaning?
The process when infants stop breastfeeding or bottle-feeding and start using a cup.
When should weaning begin?
Parents are encouraged to introduce a cup at 8-9 months, and infants should be drinking from a sippy cup by 1 year old.
Why can weaning be an emotional process?
It can be a significant change for both the mother and baby.
When does the AAP recommend introducing complementary foods?
Around 6 months of age.
What are signs that an infant is ready for solid foods?
Ability to sit up well with support and turn away when full.
What is the recommended order for introducing solids?
Start with ¼ cup of cereal twice a day, followed by vegetables, fruits, meats, and protein sources.
Why does food intake appear to decrease in toddlers?
High metabolic demands slow down, leading to ‘physiologic anorexia.’
What is the guideline for portion sizes for toddlers?
One tablespoon of each food per year of age.
What are the recommendations for milk and juice intake?
Milk: 16-24 oz/day (whole milk until 2 years, then 2%). Juice: Limited per AAP guidelines (1-3 years: 4 oz/day; 4-6 years: 4-6 oz/day).
Why should toddlers sit at a table or high chair to eat?
To minimize choking risk and foster positive eating habits.
How can preschoolers be encouraged to eat better?
Engaging them in food preparation enhances their knowledge and promotes intake.
When do nutritional needs increase in school-age children?
During growth spurts (girls around 10-11 years, boys about a year later).
How can parents encourage healthy eating habits in school-age children?
By offering appropriate food choices and promoting school involvement in nutrition.
Why is eating together as a family beneficial?
It promotes better food intake and healthy habits.
Why do adolescents have increased caloric needs?
Due to rapid growth rates.
How many calories may adolescents require?
Males may need up to 3,000 calories/day; females around 2,000 calories/day.
How should nutritional needs be addressed in teens?
By providing food choices that are acceptable to teens but also nutritious.
What is food security?
Having access at all times to enough nourishment for a healthy, active life.
What is food insecurity?
The inability to acquire or consume enough food in socially acceptable ways.
What is the leading cause of childhood hunger?
Poverty.
What percentage of children in the U.S. live in poverty?
1 in 5 children.
How can nurses help address childhood hunger?
By screening and intervening.
What percentage of American children are obese or overweight?
17% are obese (BMI > 95th percentile); 17% are overweight (BMI 85th-94th percentile).
What are some factors contributing to childhood obesity?
Decreased exercise, increased screen time, high-fat diets, and fast food consumption.
What is celiac disease?
An immunologic disorder causing intolerance to gluten.
What conditions increase the risk for celiac disease?
Down syndrome and Turner syndrome.
What are the symptoms of celiac disease?
Chronic diarrhea, growth impairment, and abdominal distention.
How is celiac disease diagnosed?
Fecal fat measurement, duodenal biopsy, and symptom resolution on a gluten-free diet.
What is pica?
An eating disorder characterized by ingestion of nonfood items (e.g., paint, soil, coffee grounds).
What deficiencies are associated with pica?
Iron and zinc deficiencies.
How is pica treated?
Removing access to harmful substances and ensuring a nutritious diet.
What is failure to thrive?
A condition where height and weight fall below the 3rd-5th percentile or show a downward change in growth percentiles.
What are possible causes of FTT?
Inadequate energy intake, absorption issues, increased metabolic demands, or defective nutrient utilization.
How common is anorexia nervosa?
Affects 3% of adolescent girls in the U.S. annually.
What are physical signs of bulimia nervosa?
Eroded tooth enamel, gum recession, esophageal tears, and abdominal distention.
