malnutrition

malnutrition

1. pathophysiology - deficit, excess, or imbalance of the essential components of a balanced diet - condition that occurs when your body is not getting the appropriate nutrients it needs

   • contributing factors - socioeconomic status, cultural influences, psychological disorders, medical conditions, physical illnesses, incomplete diet, and food-drug interactions
     • clinical manifestations - excessively dry scaly skin, brittle nails, rashes, hair loss, crusting and ulcerations in mouth, decrease muscle mass, weakness, mental changes, weight loss, emaciation, death,
       • diagnostic studies - changes in body composition, weight loss, anthropometric and functional measurements, lab studies such as serum protein and electrolyte levels used in conjunction with a physical exam
         • potential nursing diagnoses - imbalanced nutrition:less than body requirements related to decreased access, ingestion, digestion, or absorption of food or related to anorexia, dysphagia, or increased metabolic needs.
           • nursing interventions - teach and reinforce healthy eating habits as well as teach the importance of good nutrition, measure weight and height, routinely assess and document weights, offer oral hygiene and provide hand hygiene, ensure proper followup