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Category: Clinical practice

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Understanding the Paradox: What is 5% Dextrose Dehydration?

4 min read
While often perceived as a hydrating fluid, the paradox is that administering a 5% dextrose solution (D5W) to a dehydrated patient can actually cause or worsen dehydration on a cellular level. This occurs because the body rapidly metabolizes the dextrose, leaving behind only free water, which can dilute electrolytes and cause a dangerous shift of fluid into the cells.

Which of the following values indicates a complication of enteral feeding that the nurse should report to the provider?

5 min read
According to a study published in the journal Nutrients, gastrointestinal complications are the most frequently reported problem in patients receiving home enteral tube feeding, affecting over 77% of patients. A crucial nursing responsibility is identifying which laboratory or clinical values indicate a complication of enteral feeding that needs immediate provider notification.

Which filter do you use for TPN?

4 min read
According to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), the filtration of parenteral nutrition is a critical safety measure to reduce a patient's exposure to particulate matter and potential pathogens. Selecting the correct filter depends largely on the composition of the TPN solution.

What Best Describes the Role of the Nurse on the Nutrition Support Team?

5 min read
Statistics show that at least one-third of hospitalized patients are malnourished upon admission, underscoring the critical need for specialized nutritional interventions. In this context, what best describes the role of the nurse on the nutrition support team? Their function is a multi-faceted one, blending clinical expertise with compassionate patient advocacy to ensure successful outcomes.

What is the nutrition care algorithm?

5 min read
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Nutrition Care Process is the foundation of quality nutrition care, guiding professionals through a systematic, evidence-based approach. The nutrition care algorithm is a simplified, actionable flowchart that visualizes this process, helping practitioners streamline decision-making for individual patient needs.

Primary Indications for Initiating Enteral Nutrition vs. Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

2 min read
According to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), using the gastrointestinal tract for nutritional support is preferred whenever possible. This principle underpins the primary indications for initiating enteral nutrition versus total parenteral nutrition (TPN), guiding healthcare decisions to optimize patient outcomes based on their clinical condition and gut function.

The Purpose of Measuring Abdominal Girth in Nutritional Assessment

4 min read
According to the World Health Organization, carrying excess fat around the waist significantly increases the risk of serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Measuring abdominal girth in nutritional assessment is a simple yet powerful technique for evaluating the distribution of this body fat and identifying potential health risks.

What is Assessment of Nutritional Status?

4 min read
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition affects millions globally, encompassing both undernutrition and overnutrition. A comprehensive assessment of nutritional status is a vital, systematic process to evaluate an individual's health in relation to their nutrient intake and utilization.

Who is Amy Vespa: An Integrative and Clinical Nutritionist

3 min read
With more and more individuals seeking personalized health strategies, the field of integrative nutrition has seen significant growth, bringing professionals like Amy Vespa to the forefront. So, who is Amy Vespa nutrition, and what kind of support does she offer her clients seeking better health outcomes?