Therapeutic Diets & Nutrition
What is a clear liquid diet, and when is it used?
A diet consisting of transparent fluids like broth, tea, and gelatin. Used post-surgery or for gastrointestinal issues.
Define hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, including normal blood glucose levels.
Hypoglycemia: blood glucose <70 mg/dL; Hyperglycemia: blood glucose >140 mg/dL; Normal range: 70-100 mg/dL.
What are the different nasogastric tube sizes and their uses?
Small-bore (for feeding) and large-bore (for decompression or medication administration).
What is the nurse’s role in administering IV medications?
Verify order, assess IV site, calculate correct dosage, monitor for reactions.
How do drugs affect the excretion of nutrients?
Some medications (e.g., diuretics) increase nutrient loss, while others (e.g., corticosteroids) alter metabolism.
What are the indications for advancing a patient’s diet?
Tolerance of current diet, absence of nausea/vomiting, normal bowel sounds, and ability to swallow safely.
What is the appropriate nursing response when a patient is hypoglycemic?
Administer 15g of fast-acting carbohydrates, recheck glucose in 15 minutes, and repeat if necessary.
hat are the steps for inserting a nasogastric tube?
Measure tube length, lubricate, insert through nostril, advance while patient swallows, confirm placement via X-ray.
Name three possible complications of IV therapy and how to prevent them.
Infiltration (fluid leaks into tissue), phlebitis (vein inflammation), extravasation (vesicant drug leaks, causing tissue damage).
What are the components of maintenance fluids?
Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl), glucose, and water.
What is the difference between food intolerance and food allergy?
Food intolerance affects digestion (e.g., lactose intolerance), while food allergy triggers an immune response (e.g., anaphylaxis from peanuts).
How do we test a diabetic for glycemic control?
Hemoglobin A1c test, fasting blood glucose, and postprandial glucose tests.
What is gastric decompression, and when is it needed?
Removal of stomach contents via NG tube to relieve distension, often used for bowel obstructions.
What is a vesicant medication, and why is it important?
A drug that can cause severe tissue damage if it leaks outside the vein (e.g., chemotherapy drugs)
What are the risks associated with administering hypotonic solutions?
Can cause cell swelling, leading to cerebral edema and hyponatremia.
Name three signs and symptoms of eating disorders.
Extreme weight loss, obsession with food/calories, and purging behaviors.
What are some diet modifications needed for patients with diabetes?
Low-carb, high-fiber diet, avoiding refined sugars, and balancing protein intake.
What are the complications of nasogastric tube insertion?
Nasal irritation, aspiration, incorrect placement, and esophageal perforation.
What are the indications for a blood transfusion?
Severe anemia, hemorrhage, clotting disorders, or low hemoglobin.
What are the steps for changing IV fluids?
Stop old infusion, flush IV line, hang new bag, adjust flow rate.
What are the risk factors for developing eating disorders?
Genetic predisposition, societal pressure, and psychological conditions like anxiety or depression.
What items are acceptable on a gluten-free diet?
Rice, quinoa, corn, potatoes, fresh fruits, vegetables, and gluten-free grains.
Define various terms associated with nutritional care and support
Enteral feeding (tube feeding), parenteral nutrition (IV nutrition), NPO (nothing by mouth).
What are the steps for preparing, initiating, and monitoring blood transfusions?
Verify blood type, obtain consent, monitor vitals, start transfusion slowly, watch for reactions.
What are the complications during blood transfusions, and how should a nurse respond?
Hemolytic reaction (stop transfusion, notify provider), febrile reaction (give antipyretics), allergic reaction (administer antihistamines).