Editing Nutrition – LPN Flashcards (section)

== Common Teaching Points ==

;What should a client take an iron supplement with, and what should be avoided?
:Take with a vitamin C source such as orange juice to improve absorption. Separate from milk, calcium supplements, antacids, tea, and coffee by 1 to 2 hours. Dark stools are expected; constipation is managed with fluid and fiber.

;What advice goes with increasing dietary fiber?
:Increase fluid intake at the same time and add fiber gradually. Adding fiber without fluid can cause impaction or obstruction.

;How is hypoglycemia treated in a conscious client who can swallow?
:The rule of 15: give 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate, such as 4 ounces of regular juice or soda, glucose tablets, or 1 tablespoon of honey, recheck the glucose in 15 minutes, and repeat if it is still below 70 mg/dL. Follow with a protein and carbohydrate snack if the next meal is over an hour away.

;What lifestyle and diet measures reduce GERD symptoms?
:Small frequent meals, no eating within 3 hours of lying down, elevating the head of the bed, weight loss, smoking cessation, and limiting caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, fried and fatty foods, citrus, tomato, and carbonated drinks.

;Why must a client on warfarin keep green vegetable intake steady?
:Green leafy vegetables contain vitamin K, which opposes warfarin. Eating far more or far less than usual changes the INR and shifts the client toward clotting or bleeding. Consistency, not elimination, is the goal.

;What should the LPN report about a client's food intake documentation?
:Consistently eating less than about half of meals, refusing meals, unintentional weight loss, new difficulty chewing or swallowing, and complaints of nausea or early fullness. All warrant a report to the RN and often a dietitian referral.

[[Category:Nutrition]]
[[Category:Licensed Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN)]]
{{Disclaimer}}