Malnutrition

Malnutrition

1. pathophysiology

   • Deficit, excess, or imbalance of the essential components of a balanced diet.  Condition that occurs when your body isn't getting the appropriate nutrients and calories. 
   • contributing factors
     • socioeconomic status, cultural influences, psychologic disorders, incomplete diet, physical illness, medical conditions, and food-drug interactions.  
   • clinical manifestations
     • excessively dry scaly skin, brittle nails, rashes, loss of hair, crusting and ulcerations in the mouth, changes in the tongue, decrease muscle mass, weakness, confusion, mental changes, emaciation and death
     • diagnostic studies
       • changes in body composition, weight loss, functional and anthropometric measurements, lab studies such as serum protein and electrolyte levels with a physical and history exam.
       • potential nursing diagnosis
         • 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.  Feeding self-care deficit related to decreased strength and endurance, fatigue, and apathy. Deficient fluid volume related to factors affecting access to or absorption of fluids. Risk for impaired skin integrity related to poor nutritional state.  Noncompliance related to alteration in perception, lack of motivation, or incompatibility of regimen with lifestyle or resources.  
         • nursing interventions
           • full nutritional assessment with referral to dietitian,  teach and reinforce healthy eating habits, teach the pt the importance of good nutrition, getting daily weights and documenting, obtain a daily food intake/calorie intake, assess skin, oral hygiene,