Nutrition (ASAN002/23)

Question 1

NUTRITION

Answer 1

Nutrition is vital for compromised patients.\nCorrect nutrition is major factor in recovery from illness, maintaining health & management of diseases.

Question 2

A nutrient is defined as…

Answer 2

Any food constituent that helps support life.

Question 3

Nutrients are involved in all basic functions of the body

Answer 3

Including:\nActing as structural components\nInvolved in or enhancing the chemical reactions of metabolism\nTransporting substances into, throughout & out of the body\nSupplying energy\nMaintaining temperature

Question 4

Nutrients are divided into 6 categories:

Answer 4

Water\nCarbohydrate\nProtein\nFats\nMinerals\nVitamins

Question 5

Water & Minerals…

Answer 5

are required for all functions apart from the supply of energy.

Question 6

Carbohydrates, fats & proteins…

Answer 6

are used for energy & serve as structural components.

Question 7

Vitamins…

Answer 7

are primarily involved in metabolic functions.

Question 8

The benefits of adequate nutrition include:

Answer 8

Prevention of weight loss\nNormal function to cell mediated immunity \nImproved digestion & absorption of food\nPrevention of bacterial translocation \nMaintaining normal gastrointestinal mobility \nImproved wound healing ability\nInhibition & prevention of sepsis\nPrevention of death

Question 9

Nutrition is often instituted when the patient is…

Answer 9

already suffering from malnutrition.

Question 10

A patient will not or cannot eat due to:

Answer 10

Anorexia\nInappetence\nIllness factor\nPhysical inability\nFeeding is contraindicated

Question 11

Anorexia

Answer 11

A complete lack of appetite with no desire to eat

Question 12

Inappetence

Answer 12

A reduced appetite, associated with many metabolic disorders

Question 13

Physical inability to eat

Answer 13

eg. fractured jaw or oral injury

Question 14

Feeding may be contraindicated due to:

Answer 14

anatomical trauma\nsurgical procedure\nillness

Question 15

Indications for nutritional support being implemented include:

Answer 15

Results of physical exam\nResults of lab data\nNo oral intake for 3 – 5 days\nAcute weight loss >5%\nChronic weight loss >10%\nGeneralised muscle wasting\nRecent major surgery / trauma\nIncreased nutritional loss

Question 16

If a patient is able to eat but will not, several steps can be taken prior to enteral or parenteral nutrition being considered.

Answer 16

Warm food to make more appetising\nUse strong smelling food to stimulate appetite\nUse the patient’s favorite food – what owners may use as a treat etc.\nOwners visit & try to tempt them to eat\nHand feed & provide encouragement\nPlacing food directly in mouth\nSyringe feed to try and stimulate appetite – must be done with minimal stress to patient