CHAPTER 3: MALNUTRITION Flashcards
What are some signs of malnutrition?
- wasted appearance (muscle wasting)
- poor wound healing
- dry patches of skin
- hair loss
- dry brittle hair
- weakness
- poor coordination
- large spleen or liver
- irregular HR, rhythm and BP
How can you determine malnutrition status?
by looking at a patients prealbumin and albumin levels
What is the range for prealbumin levels?
15-36
What is the range for albumin levels?
3.5-5.0
How can you educate a patient to increase protein and calorie intake when they are suffering from malnutrition?
o Add skim milk powder to milk
o Whole milk whenever possible
o Add high calorie food to patient’s diet
▪ Cheese, peanut butter, boiled eggs, nuts, yogurt)
o Dip meats in eggs or milk and coat with breadcrumbs
o Add nuts and beans if you cant have dairy, lactose or meats
o Encourage use of supplements
o Always want to converse with a nutritionist
How do you calculate weight change?
(Previous Weight-Current Weight)/Previous Weight x 100
What is considered significant weight loss?
Lost >2% in 1 week or 7.5% in 3 months
3500 cals =
2.2 Ibs =
1 Ib
1 kg
How do you calculate Ibs to kg?
weight in pounds/2.2
What education should you provide to a patient wanting to lose weight?
- You should advice your patient to rate hunger on a 1-10 scale before eating so they can really see are they wanting to eat for like emotional reasons or are they really hungry.
• Certain foods should not be forbidden because you’re really going to want to have them more, KEY IS MODERATION ON THOSE THINGS!
• Warn patient that weight loss isn’t consistent your weight will fluctuate, and it is not recommended that the patient weigh themselves daily because of that fluctuation
• Patient should make lifelong changes as opposed to temporary changes
• Eat their meals free of distraction (aka not in front of the TV)
How do you calculate BMI?
Weight in kg/height in Meters^2
What BMI is considered underweight?
< 18.5
What BMI is considered a healthy weight?
18.5-24.9
What BMI is considered overweight?
25-29.9
What BMI is considered obese?
> 30
