Tag: Patient education

Did you know that in a hospital setting, CHO is an abbreviation for carbohydrates, a crucial component of medical nutrition therapy? Consistent carbohydrate diets are strategically managed to control blood sugar levels, especially for patients with diabetes.

Malnutrition affects a significant portion of hospitalized patients, with studies reporting prevalence rates of over 40% in some regions. Nurses play a central and indispensable role in combating this issue by performing a wide array of functions that support, monitor, and manage a patient's nutritional status throughout their care journey.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most populations consume too much sodium, which is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, and other serious conditions. Healthcare providers, particularly nurses, must know which patient do you expect will need teaching regarding dietary sodium restriction to prevent disease progression and manage symptoms.

According to a 2021 review, a low-fat diet can help manage cholecystitis symptoms by reducing the frequency and intensity of gallbladder contractions. A nurse will recommend a meal that is low in fat, high in fiber, and includes lean proteins to support a patient with cholecystitis.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), physical therapists can and should provide information and guidance on diet and nutrition as it relates to a patient's physical health and recovery. This does not, however, mean they can prescribe specific diets or treat medical conditions with nutrition. Understanding this distinction is crucial for both practitioners and patients seeking to maximize health outcomes while staying within legal and ethical boundaries.

According to the World Health Organization, diet-related chronic diseases are on the rise, increasing the need for preventative care and nutrition support. Medical assistants play a crucial, non-clinical role in supporting nutrition coaching by reinforcing physician recommendations and educating patients on healthy habits.

According to the World Health Organization, the global mean intake of sodium for adults is more than double the recommended amount. For patients with specific health conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease, a 2-gram (2,000 mg) sodium diet is often prescribed to manage fluid balance and reduce health risks. A seemingly simple request for juice can require a thoughtful, informed response from a nurse to ensure patient safety and dietary compliance.

According to the World Health Organization, inherited hemoglobin disorders affect hundreds of thousands of births annually, with thalassemia being a significant contributor. For those with the condition, understanding what worsens thalassemia is crucial for mitigating complications and improving overall quality of life.

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder affecting hemoglobin production, leading to anemia that is not caused by a lack of iron. Therefore, if someone with thalassemia takes iron supplements, it can cause a life-threatening condition known as iron overload.

Studies have shown that consuming dairy products with certain oral antibiotics can reduce drug absorption by as much as 90%. Understanding what antibiotics cannot be taken with dairy is a critical piece of medication safety that directly impacts treatment effectiveness.