Vitamins Are Energy-Building Nutrients That Contribute To So

Vitamins Are Energy Building Nutrients That Contribute To Sound Nutrit

Vitamins are energy-building nutrients that contribute to sound nutritional health. Water plays a critical role in transporting nutrients and removing waste products throughout the body. Since the human body is predominantly water, maintaining proper hydration is vital to overall health. In addition, minerals and electrolytes are essential for various physiological functions and can be obtained from our diet through diverse foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meats. When individuals are too ill to consume a regular diet, digestion and absorption issues may compromise their nutrient supply, necessitating specialized nutritional support like enteral or parenteral nutrition to fulfill their nutritional requirements.

In the context of the provided case study, Sharyn Bartell, a 24-year-old woman, sustained multiple fractures from a fall and has undergone a small bowel resection, rendering her at risk of nutritional deficits. Her current immobility, traction, and weight loss highlight the importance of tailored nutritional intervention to support healing and prevent further deterioration. The need for a feeding tube is evident before her nutritional status worsens. Selecting an appropriate high-protein formula is essential to meet her increased protein needs for tissue repair and immune function, especially given her gastrointestinal limitations.

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Selection of a High-Protein Enteral Formula:

One widely used high-protein formula suitable for administration via feeding tube is the “Ensure High Protein” (Abbott Nutrition). This formula provides a concentrated source of calories and protein to support wound healing and maintain nutritional status in patients with increased nutritional needs. The nutrient composition of Ensure High Protein includes approximately 16 grams of protein per 8 fl oz (237 mL) serving, along with 1.5 grams of fat, 34 grams of carbohydrates, and 220 calories. It also supplies essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and zinc, to support immune function and tissue repair. The formula is designed for patients who require supplemental or sole-source nutrition, especially those with compromised gastrointestinal function or increased metabolic demands.

Indications for Use:

Ensure High Protein is indicated for patients with increased protein requirements due to illness, surgery, or injury. It is suitable for individuals who have difficulty meeting nutritional needs through oral intake alone, such as those with malabsorption, trauma, or post-operative recovery. In Sharyn’s case, this formula would help provide essential nutrients to promote tissue healing and prevent further weight loss, considering her recent injury and gastrointestinal surgery, which may impair nutrient absorption.

Effects of Small Bowel Resection on Fluid and Electrolyte Balance:

The small bowel resection significantly affects fluid and electrolyte balance due to the loss of mucosal surface area responsible for absorbing water, sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes. According to the Oley Foundation’s “Physiological Considerations” article, patients with small bowel resection may experience dehydration owing to impaired water absorption, leading to concentrated blood plasma and electrolyte imbalances such as hyponatremia or hypokalemia. The resection may also disrupt the balance of intestinal secretions and absorbed nutrients, impairing the body's ability to regulate fluid volume and electrolytes effectively. Consequently, patients like Sharyn require close monitoring of fluid status, and their nutritional plans must incorporate electrolyte-rich solutions or supplements to compensate for these deficiencies and prevent dehydration or imbalances that could impair healing or cause further complications.

Physical and Psychosocial Adjustments for Living with a Feeding Tube:

Living with a feeding tube necessitates significant physical and psychosocial adaptations. One physical adjustment is managing the mechanics of the feeding tube itself—ensuring proper placement, daily maintenance, and avoiding infections at the insertion site. Proper hygiene and technique are vital to prevent complications such as site infections or dislodgment. A psychosocial adjustment involves dealing with the emotional impact of having a visible medical device, which can affect self-image and social interactions. Patients often experience feelings of embarrassment or social withdrawal, especially in settings where they may need to conceal their feeding tube or explain their medical condition to others. Support groups, counseling, and patient education can help alleviate these psychosocial challenges, promoting acceptance and improved quality of life while adapting to living with this medical device.

References

• American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). (2016). Clinical Guidelines for the Provision and Assessment of Nutrition Support Therapy in the Adult Critically Ill Patient. Nutrition.
• Oley Foundation. (n.d.). Physiological Considerations for Patients with Intestinal Failure. Retrieved from https://oley.org
• Oley Foundation. (n.d.). Living with Enteral Feeds. Retrieved from https://oley.org
• Keller, H., & Vanegas, S. (2020). Nutritional management of small bowel resection: A review of current practices. Journal of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 12(3), 153–163.
• Kumar, S., & Roberts, D. (2019). Gastrointestinal physiology and nutritional support. Clinical Nutrition, 39(1), 6–12.
• Mehta, N., & Glass, C. (2021). Enteral nutrition in gastrointestinal disease. Gastroenterology Clinics, 50(2), 319–333.
• McClave, S. A., et al. (2017). Guidelines for the Use of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition in Adult Patients. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 41(1), 1-218.
• Pérez, C. J., et al. (2018). Electrolyte and fluid balance in gastrointestinal surgical patients. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 33(4), 511–517.
• Smith, T., & Johnson, K. (2022). Nutritional strategies for patients with gastrointestinal resections. Current Gastroenterology Reports, 24(4), 123–131.
• World Health Organization. (2020). Nutritional management and care guidelines. Retrieved from https://who.int