Question

1. Differentiate between thick liquid, full liquid, and clear liquid diets.
2. Develop nursing diagnoses related to nutrition.
3. Recognize factors that lead to inadequate nutritional intake.
4. Describe nursing interventions to address patient nutritional problems.

Answer 1

1.Clear liquid diet comprises of food that stays clear and liquid in room temperature . It is not sufficient to provide adequate amounts of protein, fat, and energy. It can be a good source of water only. This diet may lead to hospital malnutrition if continued for long time.

Full liquid diet comprises of food that are in liquid state at room temperature. It serves as a oral  nourishing source for patients who have difficulty in chewing or swallowing . It is available in various varieties like commercial nutritional supplements supplying adequate amounts of calories and nutrients. Usually this diet is not recommended for post operative patients because of lactose intolerance as the diet may contain milk based formulas.

Thick liquid diet are nutritional supplements in a thick consistency state at room temperature which is given to patients who have difficulty in swallowing like stroke and patients having any neurological condition pertaining to weakening of the muscles or nerves of the esophagus, or patients having any obstruction in throat . These patients may be at risk for choking and aspiration , so for them this thick liquid diet is provided.

2. Some nursing diagnosis related to nutrition

• Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements due to chronic nausea and loss of appetite
• Risk for Aspiration due to difficulty swallowing secondary to facial paralysis
• Imbalanced nutritional status less than body requirements related to dietary restrictions , nausea and malabsorption.
• Impaired Swallowing related to neurologic damage secondary to stroke, as evidenced by coughing and choking with oral intake attempts.

3. Some of the factors leading to inadequate nutritional intake are

Biological factors include

• Genetic factors
• Gender/sex
• Age
• Any Disease
• Any physical injury or any other disorders
• Medications and therapy

Non biological factors are

• Socio economic status.
• Ethnicity and culture
• Lifestyle factors
• Religious restrictions

4. Some nursing interventions to address patient nutritional problems are

• Provide a calm and pleasant environment without any unwanted smells .
• Provide a diet which looks stimulating ,appropriate and satisfying the likes of patient .
• Small frequent feeds are to be provided which helps in easy digestion and also prevents vomiting or any other problems.
• Plan meals according to likes of patient
• Prepare special assisted diets for patients for meeting the nutrient requirements.