TEXTURE MODIFIED DIET: NORMAL CLEAR DIET

Question 1

INDICATIONS FOR A NORMAL CLEAR DIET

Answer 1

• To maintain hydration
• Preparing for surgery
• Recovering from surgery
• During certain gastrointestinal symptoms
• Distention
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• During evaluation of or presence of anastomotic leak.

Question 2

CONTRA-INDICATIONS FOR A NORMAL CLEAR DIET

Answer 2

• Deficient in several nutrients for all patients.

Question 3

EXPLAIN/DEFINE THE NORMAL CLEAR DIET

Answer 3

• The clear liquid diet is composed of fluids and foods (broth, gelatine, and popsicles).
• Fluids are transparent (that is, you can see through them).
• Fluids that are liquid at body temperature.
• Foods allowed in this diet include items that consist of primarily sugar and water and meat or vegetable broths, which are primarily composed of water and salt.
• Some institutions serve hard candy as part of the clear liquid diet because it dissolves to sugar and water at body temperature.
• Portion sizes of this diet may be modified to meet the needs of post-operative bariatric surgery patients.
• The Clear Liquid Diet in the NCM Diet Manual is based on a consistent carbohydrate intake.
• Facilities use many names for this diet, including, regular diet, house diet, or general, healthy diet.
• Diet orders include two components: The therapeutic component (house) and the texture component (regular).

Question 4

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CLEAR DIET

Answer 4

• Provide an oral source of fluid.
• Minimizing residue in the bowel in the following situations:
• Acute gastrointestinal illness
• Preparation for surgery or procedure
• Food reintroduction after procedure

Question 5

NOTES TO CONSIDER WHEN IMPLEMENTING THE NORMAL CLEAR DIET

Answer 5

• The clear liquid diet should be used minimally (only when absolutely necessary).
• It does not provide enough nutrients to meet the needs of patients of all ages.
• Long-term use of clear liquids is not recommended.
• This diet should not be ordered for more than two meals as it is.
• Clear liquid–fortified beverages may improve protein intake while on a clear liquid diet.
• The inclusion of these beverages extends the duration of using this diet up to 3-4 days.
• However, even with clear liquid–fortified beverages, the clear liquid diet does not provide enough nutrients to meet the nutrition needs of patients.
• Patients receiving this diet are monitored closely so they can progress as rapidly as tolerated to solid foods (or nutrition support, where necessary).

Question 6

GRAINS ALLOWED AND TO AVOID IN A NORMAL CLEAR DIET

Answer 6

ALLOWED: NONE

TO AVOID :
All grain foods including whole grains, processed grains such as pasta, rice, hot and cold cereals, bread, snacks and sweets that are flour-based (cakes, cookies)

Question 7

PROTEINS ALLOWED AND TO AVOID IN A NORMAL CLEAR DIET

Answer 7

ALLOWED: NONE

TO AVOID: 
Beef and pork (all cuts)
Chicken and turkey (all cuts)
Fish (all types)
Nuts and nut butters (all types)
Eggs (all types)
Meat substitutes (all types) such as soy and tofu
Cold cuts or lunch meat (all types) including salami, ham, roast beef, deli turkey, etc.
Sausage (all types)

Question 8

DAIRY ALLOWED AND TO AVOID IN A NORMAL CLEAR DIET

Answer 8

ALLOWED: NONE

TO AVOID: 
Milk (all types)
Ice cream, sour cream, cream cheese
Yogurt
Cheese

Question 9

VEGETABLES ALLOWED AND TO AVOID IN A NORMAL CLEAR DIET

Answer 9

ALLOWED: NONE

TO AVOID:
Frozen, fresh, canned varieties
Vegetable juice with pulp

Question 10

FRUIT ALLOWED AND TO AVOID IN A NORMAL CLEAR DIET

Answer 10

ALLOWED: Translucent fruit juices without pulp (apple, cranberry, grape)

TO AVOID: Frozen, fresh, canned varieties
Fruit juice with pulp

Question 11

OILS ALLOWED AND TO AVOID IN A NORMAL CLEAR DIET

Answer 11

ALLOWED: NONE

TO AVOID:
Butter, margarine, oils (all)

Question 12

BEVERAGES ALLOWED AND TO AVOID IN A NORMAL CLEAR DIET

Answer 12

ALLOWED:
Tea
Coffee
Water, ice
Clear soda
Translucent nutritional supplements

TO AVOID:
All beverages and nutritional supplements that are not translucent