NUTRITION
Types of nutrients
Macronutrients (carbs, fats, and protein) provide energy.
Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are used to
... [Show More] regulate body processes.
Water is essential for every bodily function.
Promotion of wound healing
Protein
Vit C and A
Zinc
Infants
Commercial formulas and human breast milk both provide 20 kcal/ounce.
A healthy infant needs approximately 100 kcal/kilogram of body weight each day.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first
six months of life and breastfeeding with the addition of complementary foods from 6 to
12 months
Adolescents
Concerns about body image and appearance
A desire for independence, eating fast food, peer pressure, and fad diets are common.
The onset of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, often
begins in adolescence. Recognition is essential for early intervention.
Older Adults
Food insecurities
Alterations in taste and smell may lead to less food consumption.
Chronic illnesses may cause lack of appetite.
Fad dieting (may affect pts of any age)
Declining oral health may contribute to malnutrition and dehydration.
Lactation
Women who are lactating need 500 extra kcal/day to support the production of milk.
Protein requirements are even higher than in pregnancy. An adequate intake of calcium
and vitamins A, B, and C is essential.
Fluid intake needs to be adequate but not excessive.
Lactating women should avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drugs that will remain present in
breastmilk.
1
1. Nutrition screening
Essential part of an initial nursing assessment
May identify malnutrition or risk of malnutrition.
Gathers subjective and objective data
Subjective Global Assessment (SGA)
Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)
2.Laboratory and Biochemical Tests
Most common tests measure plasma proteins, like albumin(long-term chronic illness),
transferrin, prealbumin(short-term changes in acute conditions), retinol-binding protein,
total iron-binding capacity, and hemoglobin
3.Diet History and Health History
dietary intake and food preferences
unpleasant symptoms
allergies
taste, chewing, and swallowing
appetite and weight
use of medications
4.Physical Examination
The signs of impaired nutritional status include receding gums, peripheral edema, and oral [Show Less]