Chapter 5: Nutrition

Question 1

Why do preterm infants have higher caloric needs than term infants?

Answer 1

Preterm infants have immature body systems and medical problems, requiring high calorie intake (up to 160 mL/kg/day).

Question 2

What are the main medical concerns related to feeding preterm infants?

Answer 2

Immature body systems, fluid needs that must be adjusted to their condition, and elevated risk for dehydration due to increased surface area-to-mass ratio and decreased renal absorption capacity.

Question 3

How does their increased surface area to mass ratio impact their fluid needs?

Answer 3

It increases their risk for dehydration.

Question 4

Why are preterm infants at a higher risk for dehydration?

Answer 4

They have an increased surface area-to-mass ratio and decreased renal absorption capacity.

Question 5

What specialized feeding methods may be required for preterm infants?

Answer 5

They may require specialized formulas and careful monitoring of formula tolerance.

Question 6

How should a nurse assess an infant’s tolerance to formula?

Answer 6

By monitoring the infant’s response to feeding.

Question 7

Why might a preterm infant require a specialty formula?

Answer 7

Due to their medical condition and nutritional needs.

Question 8

What factors must be monitored when evaluating the growth of preterm infants?

Answer 8

Growth must be carefully monitored.

Question 9

Why do term infants still require high fluid intake?

Answer 9

Fluid requirements remain high at 140-160 mL/kg/day.

Question 10

What percentage of calories do term infants receive from fat?

Answer 10

About 50% of their calories come from fat.

Question 11

Why is breastmilk the recommended nutritional source for infants?

Answer 11

It is easily digested, well absorbed, and provides essential amino acids, fatty acids, iron, and calcium.

Question 12

How often do breastfed babies need to eat compared to formula-fed babies?

Answer 12

Breastfed babies feed more frequently because breastmilk breaks down quickly.

Question 13

What metabolic and growth factors contribute to a term infant’s nutritional requirements?

Answer 13

High metabolic rate and growth, requiring 100-115 kcal/kg/day at 1 month.

Question 14

What makes breastmilk easily digestible and well absorbed?

Answer 14

It contains essential amino acids and is rich in essential fatty acids.

Question 15

What key nutrients in breastmilk support an infant’s development?

Answer 15

Essential amino acids, fatty acids, iron, and calcium.

Question 16

How does breastmilk promote gastrointestinal function?

Answer 16

It fosters immune defense and enhances gut health.

Question 17

What are the psychological and economic advantages of breastfeeding?

Answer 17

It provides bonding benefits for the mother and baby and is cost-effective.

Question 18

What are the main types of infant formulas?

Answer 18

Milk-based, soy-based, and specialized formulas for conditions like phenylketonuria (PKU) and allergies.

Question 19

Why might a specialized formula be necessary?

Answer 19

For infants with medical conditions such as PKU or allergies.

Question 20

What is the core message regarding infant feeding?

Answer 20

“Fed is Best.”

Question 21

What is weaning?

Answer 21

The process when infants stop breastfeeding or bottle-feeding and start using a cup.

Question 22

When should weaning begin?

Answer 22

Parents are encouraged to introduce a cup at 8-9 months, and infants should be drinking from a sippy cup by 1 year old.

Question 23

Why can weaning be an emotional process?

Answer 23

It can be a significant change for both the mother and baby.

Question 24

When does the AAP recommend introducing complementary foods?

Answer 24

Around 6 months of age.

Question 25

What are signs that an infant is ready for solid foods?

Answer 25

Ability to sit up well with support and turn away when full.

Question 26

What is the recommended order for introducing solids?

Answer 26

Start with ¼ cup of cereal twice a day, followed by vegetables, fruits, meats, and protein sources.

Question 27

Why does food intake appear to decrease in toddlers?

Answer 27

High metabolic demands slow down, leading to 'physiologic anorexia.'

Question 28

What is the guideline for portion sizes for toddlers?

Answer 28

One tablespoon of each food per year of age.

Question 29

What are the recommendations for milk and juice intake?

Answer 29

Milk: 16-24 oz/day (whole milk until 2 years, then 2%). Juice: Limited per AAP guidelines (1-3 years: 4 oz/day; 4-6 years: 4-6 oz/day).

Question 30

Why should toddlers sit at a table or high chair to eat?

Answer 30

To minimize choking risk and foster positive eating habits.

Question 31

How can preschoolers be encouraged to eat better?

Answer 31

Engaging them in food preparation enhances their knowledge and promotes intake.

Question 32

When do nutritional needs increase in school-age children?

Answer 32

During growth spurts (girls around 10-11 years, boys about a year later).

Question 33

How can parents encourage healthy eating habits in school-age children?

Answer 33

By offering appropriate food choices and promoting school involvement in nutrition.

Question 34

Why is eating together as a family beneficial?

Answer 34

It promotes better food intake and healthy habits.

Question 35

Why do adolescents have increased caloric needs?

Answer 35

Due to rapid growth rates.

Question 36

How many calories may adolescents require?

Answer 36

Males may need up to 3,000 calories/day; females around 2,000 calories/day.

Question 37

How should nutritional needs be addressed in teens?

Answer 37

By providing food choices that are acceptable to teens but also nutritious.

Question 38

What is food security?

Answer 38

Having access at all times to enough nourishment for a healthy, active life.

Question 39

What is food insecurity?

Answer 39

The inability to acquire or consume enough food in socially acceptable ways.

Question 40

What is the leading cause of childhood hunger?

Answer 40

Poverty.

Question 41

What percentage of children in the U.S. live in poverty?

Answer 41

1 in 5 children.

Question 42

How can nurses help address childhood hunger?

Answer 42

By screening and intervening.

Question 43

What percentage of American children are obese or overweight?

Answer 43

17% are obese (BMI > 95th percentile); 17% are overweight (BMI 85th-94th percentile).

Question 44

What are some factors contributing to childhood obesity?

Answer 44

Decreased exercise, increased screen time, high-fat diets, and fast food consumption.

Question 45

What is celiac disease?

Answer 45

An immunologic disorder causing intolerance to gluten.

Question 46

What conditions increase the risk for celiac disease?

Answer 46

Down syndrome and Turner syndrome.

Question 47

What are the symptoms of celiac disease?

Answer 47

Chronic diarrhea, growth impairment, and abdominal distention.

Question 48

How is celiac disease diagnosed?

Answer 48

Fecal fat measurement, duodenal biopsy, and symptom resolution on a gluten-free diet.

Question 49

What is pica?

Answer 49

An eating disorder characterized by ingestion of nonfood items (e.g., paint, soil, coffee grounds).

Question 50

What deficiencies are associated with pica?

Answer 50

Iron and zinc deficiencies.

Question 51

How is pica treated?

Answer 51

Removing access to harmful substances and ensuring a nutritious diet.

Question 52

What is failure to thrive?

Answer 52

A condition where height and weight fall below the 3rd-5th percentile or show a downward change in growth percentiles.

Question 53

What are possible causes of FTT?

Answer 53

Inadequate energy intake, absorption issues, increased metabolic demands, or defective nutrient utilization.

Question 54

How common is anorexia nervosa?

Answer 54

Affects 3% of adolescent girls in the U.S. annually.

Question 55

What are physical signs of bulimia nervosa?

Answer 55

Eroded tooth enamel, gum recession, esophageal tears, and abdominal distention.