Nutrition Flashcards
Definition of Nutrition.
Chemicals used by the body for energy to maintain cellular function.
How is Energy Measured?
Energy is measured in calories (C or kcal)
-The amount of energy that is required to raise 1 kg of water by 1-degree Celcius
What are our main Micronutrients?
Vitamins and Minerals
What are our main Macronutrients?
Carbs, Proteins (amino acids), fats (fatty acids)
Physiology Process of Oral Intake.
- Chewing and Swallowing
- Mechanical and Chemical Breakdown
- Absorption
- Elimination
- Nutrient Metabolism
Definition of Malnutrition.
Lack of food or ineffective utilization of food to meet metabolic needs.
Causes of Malnutrition.
Poverty, neglect, acute or chronic illness, mental health, the elderly population
Define Failure to Thrive.
Inadequate nutrition to support growth and development
Define Kwashiorkor.
A condition resulting from inadequate protein intake. The lack of protein leads to decreased muscle tone and increased fluid retention.
Why does the lack of protein lead to Kwashiorkor?
- The lack of protein leads to a depletion of albumin. Albumin helps move small molecules through the blood and maintains fluid shift by; keeping the fluid in the blood from leaking into the tissues. The lack of albumin causes a fluid shift and results in edema!
- The lack of protein also causes abdominal distention due to the decreased muscle tone.
Treatment for Kwashiorkor.
- Increase caloric intake
- Monitor growth, weight and BMI
- Monitor serum albumin levels and increase protein intake
What is Albumin?
Albumin is a simple protein present both in animal and plant physiological fluids and tissues. It plays many important roles including maintenance of appropriate osmotic pressure, binding and transport of various substances like hormones, drugs etc. in blood, and neutralization of free radicals.
Define Marasmus.
Caused by protein AND caloric deficiency. Causing a prominence in bones, decreased subcutaneous fat and loose skin.
Treatment for Marasmus.
- Administer vitamins and Thiamine
- Administer nutrients and hydrate! However, dumping syndrome should be considered and monitored. The body is not used to caloric intake and might negatively react to the introduction of a bolus.
Define Dumping Syndrome.
Caused by rapid gastric emptying. Rapid gastric emptying is a condition in which food moves too quickly from your stomach to your duodenum.
Define Enteral Nutrition.
Utilized for patients who need to increase their caloric intake or who cannot swallow regular food items.
Types of PO Feeding Tubes.
- Nasogastric (NG)
- Nasojejunal (NJ)
- Gastrostomy Tube (G-tube)
Two Types of Nutritional Substitutes for Enteral Nutrition.
- Polymeric Enteral Nutritional Substitution
2. Oligometric Nutritional Substitute
Polymeric Enteral Nutritional Substitute.
A solution made up of proteins, lipids and carbs. All the nutrients are intact and presented in the same form the body would receive them as. These solutions are high-calorie!
Oligometric Nutritional Substitute.
The nutrients being introduces are already broken down into digestible components and make it easier for the body to use the nutrients quickly, (easily digestible components such as; amino acids and peptides that aid in hydrolyzing nutrients that are within the solution!
What are the Three Types of Timed Feeds?
- Bolus feeding
- Intermediate feeding
- Continuous feeding
Bolus Feeding
Mimics normal feeds and is given during regular intervals.
Intermittent Feeding.
(like bolus but at a slower infusion, e.g. 30-60min)
Intermittent bolus feeding is defined as delivering enteral nutrition multiple times, generally given by gravity or an electric pump.
Continuous Feeding.
(ideal for recovery; avoids dumping syndrome and osmotic shift)
Continuous feeding is defined as delivering enteral nutrition with constant speed for 24 h via a nutritional pump. Small portions over a period of time.
Define Parenteral Nutrition.
A form of nutrition that is delivered into a peripheral vein. Parenteral nutrition does not use the digestive system. It may be given to people who are unable to absorb nutrients through the intestinal tract. The goal is to increase nutritional intake
Two Types of Parenteral Nutrition.
I. Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
II. Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition (PPN)
Define Total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
TPN is used for long-term nutritional delivery. It involves the insertion of a central catheter into the superior vena cava, a major vein that carries blood from the head and chest to the heart. Fluids are given into a vein to provide most of the nutrients the body needs.
Define peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN).
Used for short-term nutritional needs. PPN is administered through a traditional, external IV.
Complications of TPN and PPN.
- Fluid Overload: Increasing blood volume at a fast rate will cause hemodilution as well as a fluid shift within the body and yielding cellular/organ dysfunction.
- Infection: The insertion of a catheter increases the risk of introduction of bacteria and pathogens
- Electrolyte Imbalances
- Hyperglycemia
- GI dysfunction
Define Re-Feeding Syndrome.
Defined as the potentially fatal shifts in fluids and electrolytes that may occur in malnourished patients receiving artificial refeeding.
-To meet starvation status the body goes without nutritional intake for more than 5 days. The body then shifts to an alternate hormonal and metabolic pathway to use energy
What Happens to the Body During Nutrient Deprivation?
The body will start to metabolism proteins and fatty acids to gain energy sources. However, this switch in metabolism causes a rise in serum ketones and decreases the overall pH leading to metabolic acidosis. The decreased pH will cause cellular and organ dysfunction
Furthermore, the depletion of intracellular minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and vitamins will yield reduced organ function.
What Happens to the Body During Re-Feeding?
Re-feeding is the introduction of food after a period of time without nutrients. During re-feeding there is a surge in glucose levels which increases the secretion of insulin. Causing a fluid shift within the cells, causing a massive hemostatic shift.
- The syndrome occurs because of the reintroduction of glucose. As the body digests and metabolizes food again, this can cause sudden shifts in the balance of electrolytes and fluids.
Treatment for Re-Feeding Syndrome.
- Assess all baseline minerals and vitamins
- Administer Supplements (Thiamine and B-complex vitamins)
- Slow rehydration
- Slow re-feeding to inhibit metabolic shock and glucose/insulin surge