Nutrition

Question 1

What is nutrition?

Answer 1

Intake of food, considered in relation to the body’s dietary needs.

Question 2

What are the effects of poor nutrition?

Answer 2

Reduced immunity
Increased risk of disease
Reduced productivity
Reduced physical and mental health

Question 3

What is the Eatwell Guide?

Answer 3

Guide to highlight what a balanced diet should look like.

1/3 Fruit and Veg
1/3 Carbohydrates
1/3 Protein, Dairy, Oil and Butter (Fats)

Question 4

How much water should be drank a day?

Answer 4

2 litres

Question 5

Give 5 risk factors for poor nutrition

Answer 5

Vomiting 
Dependent 
Bed bound 
Acute illness
Elderly 
GI malabsorption 
Self neglect 
Depression 
Poor environment

Question 6

Describe the tool used to assess nutrition

Answer 6

MUST- malnutrition universal screening tool

Step 1: Calculate BMI
Step 2: Calculate % unplanned weight loss
Step 3: Acute disease score
Step 4: add points together
Step 5: 0= low risk, 1= medium risk, observe, >2= high risk, refer to dietician

Question 7

Who is part of a nutrition MDT?

Answer 7

Doctors- look for medical cause 
Nurses- monitor and assist with eating 
Dietician- calculate requirements 
SALT- assess for dysphagia 
OT/PT- increase mobility and exercise

Question 8

What are the first line conservative measures that can help with nutrition?

Answer 8

Protected mealtimes 
Red tray system- highlights malnutrition patients 
Food and fluid charts 
Positive eating routine in hospital 
Work with likes and dislikes

Question 9

Give examples of nutritional supplements used on the wards

Answer 9

Fortisip
Fortijuice
Forticreme
Calogen- very high energy supplement, given in small doses

Question 10

When is enteral feeding required?

Answer 10

Patients who cannot feed adequately orally. Need to be monitored regularly to ensure they have adequate nutrition and hydration

Question 11

What is refeeding syndrome?

Answer 11

Severe fluid and electrolyte shifts and metabolic complications in malnourished patients who suddenly start feeding again

Question 12

Give 5 risk factors for refeeding syndrome

Answer 12

Little or no food for >5 days 
Hx of weight loss 
Low BMI 
Hx of alcohol abuse 
Inadequate vitamin intake from enteral tube feed

Question 13

How is refeeding syndrome managed?

Answer 13

Slow reintroduction of oral food
Oral thiamine 200, 300 mg OD
K+, PO3-, Mg2+ supplements
Regular electrolyte monitoring