Malnutrition Flashcards
What is meant by malnutrition?
Deficiency/excess of energy, protein and other nutrients causing adverse effects on tissue/body function.
State 3 consequences of malnutrition.
Reduced muscle strength. Reduced mood. Reduced ability to perform daily tasks. Increase risk of infections. Reduced recovery. Increased mortality.
State 3 reasons why older people become malnourished.
Psychological e.g. dementia, depression. Social e.g. financial issues, social isolation. Clinical e.g. disease severity, inflammatory response, GI function, pain, co-morbidities, surgery.
What is meant by nutritional screening?
Identifies patients with actual/potential problems i.e. nutritional status.
What is meant by nutritional assessment?
Explores causes and duration of nutritional problems. Forms nutrition action plan. Undertaken by nutrition specialists.
How is nutrition screened?
‘MUST’ tool - looks at BMI, unplanned weight loss within 6 months, if patient ill for more than 5 days.
State 2 things looked at during nutritional assessment.
Weight history. Ascites and oedema. Height. Body mass index. Body composition. Establishing dietary intake (use food record charts). Social and Psychological factors e.g. loneliness, isolation, mental illness.
State 2 invasive treatment options for malnutrition..
Tube feeding (when GI tract working). Parenteral nutrition - is intravenous administration of nutrition, for patients who cannot eat or absorb enough food through tube feeding formula or by mouth to maintain good nutrition status (GI tract not working).
State 3 non-invasive treatment options for malnutrition.
Food fortification (adding nutrients to food e.g. fortijuice). Dietary counselling - improve compliance. Oral nutritional supplements. Supportive interventions e.g. red trays, feeding assistance, lunch clubs, social eating.
