Nutrition Know How
Name one factor that may negatively affect nutrition in older adults.
Low income, living alone, loss of appetite, ill-fitting dentures, etc.
What is dysphagia?
Difficulty swallowing, which increases the risk of aspiration.
What does NPO stand for?
Nothing by Mouth
On what calorie intake is the % Daily Value based?
2,000 calories
What are the three macronutrients?
Protein, Carbohydrates, and Fats
Why should pregnant women increase folic acid intake?
To reduce the risk of brain and spinal cord abnormalities in the baby
Which diet includes clear liquids like broth and apple juice?
Clear Fluids Diet
What does the serving size on the label represent?
The amount typically eaten at one time 000 calorie diet.
Which nutrient helps repair tissues and build muscles?
Protein
What do carbohydrates do in the body? Name 3
can Ce broken down to release energy in the human body.
Sugars, Starches and Fibers
What does DAT diet stand for and what is the definition?
Diet As Tolerated – based on the patient’s ability to eat preferred foods
What are added sugars?
Sugars that are added to foods during processing, not naturally occurring.
Explain why fat should not be eliminated from an infant's diet?
Fat is essential for brain development during infancy
List the 3 types of consistency in food and describe all 3 briefly
Minced – food is minced or chopped for easier chewing/swallowing
Pureed – food is mixed in a blender/food processor. Only alternative for those with dementia or severe chewing/swallowing problems
Thickened Fluids –remedy for chewing/swallowing problems. Natural thickeners include tapioca, flour, and instant potato flakes. Can be used in hot/cold fluids
Name two reasons a patient might require a pureed diet.
Severe swallowing issues, dementia, or jaw surgery (any two are acceptable)
What are the required vitamins and minerals listed on the nutrition label?
Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, and Potassium
There are six main categories of nutrients. Name any three of these nutrient groups and provide 1 example of food sources for each one!
Protein
Carbohydrates
Fats
Vitamins
Minerals
Water
A patient in a long-term care facility is recovering from abdominal surgery. They were NPO for 24 hours and are now ready to begin eating again. They also have difficulty swallowing and are on fluid restriction due to heart failure. Based on this situation, what diet would you recommend starting with, and why?
Clear Fluids – This is the standard first step after NPO status, especially post-surgery. It hydrates and provides minimal digestive stimulation. Due to swallowing difficulty and fluid restriction, portions must be carefully monitored, and the patient should be assessed for risk of aspiration before progressing to full fluids or pureed diet.
You're planning meals for an elderly client with a history of osteoporosis and low iron levels. Based on what you know from the Nutrition Facts label and nutrient functions, which four nutrients should you prioritize, and why?
Prioritize Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron, and Protein:
Calcium & Vitamin D are essential for maintaining bone health and preventing further bone loss.
Iron is needed to address or prevent anemia.
Protein supports muscle strength and tissue repair, especially important in older adults who may have decreased muscle mass.
A food label says a product has 12g of fat. How many calories from fat does it have?
108 calories (12g x 9 calories/gram)