MALNUTRITION Flashcards
(29 cards)
Define malnutrition
Malnutrition is a state of nutrition where a deficiency or excess (or imbalance) of energy, protein, and other nutrients causes measurable adverse effects on body tissue, body form, body function, and clinical outcomes.
When should nutrition support be considered for malnourished individuals?
Nutrition support should be considered if a person has a BMI less than 18.5 kg/m², unintentional weight loss greater than 10% within 3-6 months, or a BMI less than 20 kg/m² with unintentional weight loss greater than 5% within 3-6 months.
When should nutrition support be considered for people at risk of malnutrition
In individuals who have eaten little or nothing for more than 5 days or are likely to do so for the next 5 days or longer, or have poor absorptive capacity, high nutrient losses, or increased nutritional needs from causes such as catabolism.
Who is at increased risk of malnutrition in the UK?
Older people over 65, especially those in care or hospital, people with long-term conditions like diabetes or renal disease, those with chronic progressive conditions such as dementia or cancer, and individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol.
List physical factors that can increase the risk of malnutrition.
Difficulty eating and chewing due to painful mouth or poor dentition, dysphagia, loss of sense of smell (anosmia) or taste (ageusia), reliance on others for help with eating and drinking, inability to cook, and limited mobility or lack of transport.
Describe social factors that can increase the risk of malnutrition.
Poverty, social isolation, and cultural norms, such as hospital or care home environments not providing food that meets religious or cultural needs, can increase malnutrition risk.
Explain how physical factors like dysphagia can contribute to malnutrition.
Dysphagia can make swallowing difficult, leading to reduced food intake and increased risk of malnutrition.
Explain how social factors like social isolation can impact nutritional status.
Social isolation can lead to reduced food intake and decreased access to nutritious food, increasing the risk of malnutrition.
Describe how undernutrition affects the immune system.
Undernutrition reduces the ability of the immune system to fight infection.
Explain the effects of malnutrition on muscles.
Malnutrition leads to inactivity and reduced ability to work, shop, cook, and self-care, and may cause pressure ulcers and blood clots due to inactivity.
Describe the impact of malnutrition on the respiratory system, specifically falls.
Malnutrition can reduce the ability to cough, predisposing individuals to chest infections and pneumonia.
Explain the consequences of malnutrition on kidney function.
Malnutrition causes inability to regulate salt and fluid, leading to over-hydration or dehydration.
Describe the impact of malnutrition on the brain.
Malnutrition causes apathy, depression, introversion, self-neglect, and deterioration in social interactions.
Explain how malnutrition affects reproductive health.
Malnutrition reduces fertility and, if present during pregnancy, can predispose the infant to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke later in life.
Summarize the consequences of malnutrition in older adults.
Malnutrition makes older people more susceptible to disease, impairs recovery, and contributes to a downward vicious spiral known as the Malnutrition Carousel.
List the consequences of undernutrition in children and adolescents.
Growth failure and stunting, reduced muscle mass and strength, rickets, increased risk of osteoporosis, delayed sexual development, and impaired intellectual development.
What are some clinical signs that indicate a person in a care home should be screened for malnutrition?
Unintentional weight loss, poor wound healing, apathy, wasted muscles, poor appetite, impaired swallowing, altered bowel habits, loose fitting clothes, prolonged illness.
What key factors should malnutrition screening assess?
BMI, percentage unintentional weight loss, and the likelihood of future impaired nutrient intake.
What is the most commonly used nutrition screening tool for UK adults?
The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST).
What measurements are essential for accurately completing the MUST?
Accurate weight and height measurements.
What are common signs and symptoms of malnutrition?
Loss of appetite, reduced food and fluid intake, unintentional weight loss, tiredness, loss of energy, reduced ability to perform tasks, and decreased physical performance.
What should be included in a nutritional assessment?
Assessment of malnutrition signs and symptoms, diet history, weight changes, physical performance, and related health conditions to inform diagnosis and intervention.
Describe the common physical and mental effects of malnutrition.
Malnutrition can cause difficulty walking or reduced walking capacity, altered mood such as lethargy and depression, poor concentration, and poor growth in children.
Define food fortification and give examples of how it can be applied.
Food fortification involves adding energy and protein to foods using techniques like adding butter, cream, or dried milk powder to enhance nutritional content, such as enriching milk, custard, soups, and mashed potatoes.
