Topic 7: Malnutrition

Question 1

Malnutrition

Answer 1

deficit, excess, or imbalance of essential nutrients

Question 2

Malabsorption syndrome

Answer 2

impaired absorption of nutrients from the GI tract

Question 3

clinical manifestations of malnutrition

Answer 3

· Dry and scaly skin
· Brittle nails
· Rashed
· Hair loss
· Mouth crusting and ulceration
· Changes in tongue
· Decreased muscle mass and weakness
· CNS changes: confusion and irritability

Question 4

Decreased protein intake manifestations

Answer 4

· Muscles become wasted and flabby
· Weakness and fatigability
· Decreased wound healing

Question 5

assessment for malnutrition

Answer 5

· Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and Nutritional Risk Screening
· Obtain complete diet history
· Anthropometric measurements: height, weight, BMI, rate of weight change, amount of weight loss
· Physical examination: physical appearance, muscle mass and strength, dental oral, and health
· Chewing and swallowing ability
· Changes in appetite or taste
Ability to perform ADLs

Question 6

Labs for malnutrition

Answer 6

· Albumin, prealbumin
· C-reactive protein
· Glucose
· Electrolytes
· Lipid profile
· BUN

Question 7

underweight BMI

Answer 7

<18.5

Question 8

normal weight BMI

Answer 8

18.5-24.9

Question 9

overweight BMI

Answer 9

25-29.9

Question 10

obese BMI

Answer 10

> 30

Question 11

health promotion for malnutrition

Answer 11

· Teach and reinforce healthy eating habits
· Teach resources such as MyPlate, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and how to read nutrition facts on food labels

Question 12

acute care malnutrition

Answer 12

· Collaborate with HCP and dietitian
· Patients with increased stress (surgery, severe trauma, sepsis) patients need MORE calories and protein
· Teach importance of good nutrition
· Daily weights and I&Os
· Make environment conducive to eating
· Offer oral and hand hygiene
Some patients may need enteral nutrition (EN) or parenteral nutrition (PN)