What are nutritional problems and how can they affect me?A variety of medical problems can affect your appetite. Your illness, medicines or surgery can cause these problems. Many people become frustrated when they know they need to eat to get well but they aren't hungry, or when they gain weight because they are fatigued and unable to exercise. Show
Each of the following sections describes a nutritional problem and suggests possible solutions. Not all solutions will work for everyone. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions. Decreased appetiteLack of appetite, or decreased hunger, is one of the most troublesome nutrition problems you can experience. Although it's a common problem, its cause is often unknown. Appetite-stimulating medicines are available. Ask your provider if such medicines would help you. Solutions:
Meal guidelines
Snack guidelines
Dining guidelines
Weight lossIf your doctor tells you that you have lost too much weight, or if you are having difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, here are some tips:
High-calorie snacks
High-calorie recipesChocolate Peanut Butter Shake 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream Directions: Put all ingredients into a blender. Mix well. Makes one serving; 1090 calories per serving. Super Shake 1 cup whole milk Directions: Put all ingredients into a blender. Mix well. Makes one serving; 550 calories per serving. Super Pudding 2 cups whole milk Directions: Blend milk and oil. Add pudding mix and mix well. Pour into dishes (1/2 cup servings). Makes four 1/2 cup servings; 250 calories per serving. Great Grape Slush 2 grape juice bars Directions: Put all ingredients into a blender. Mix well. Makes one serving; 490 calories per serving. Calorie BoostersEgg yolk or whole egg Before cooking, add egg yolk or whole egg to foods such as meat loaf, rice pudding or macaroni and cheese. (To prevent illness, avoid the use of uncooked eggs.) Non-fat powdered milk or undiluted evaporated milk Add to beverages (including milk) or to these foods:
Cream cheese or shredded, melted, sliced, cubed or grated cheese Add to sandwiches, snacks, casseroles, crackers, eggs, soups, toast, pasta, potatoes, rice or vegetables, or serve as a snack. Vegetable oils, mayonnaise, butter, margarine or sour cream Add margarine or mayonnaise to sandwiches. Add any of these items to bread, casseroles, soups, eggs, cooked cereals, pasta, potatoes, rice, vegetables or pudding. Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy) Spread on bread, crackers, apples, bananas or celery. Or add to cereal, custard, cookies or milk shakes. Nut "dust" (Grind any type of nuts in a blender or food processor.) Add to puddings, gravy, mashed potatoes, casseroles, salad or yogurt cereals. Miscellaneous foods (Limit to one serving per day.) Add:
To:
HeartburnHeartburn can occur for many reasons, including overeating, eating certain foods, taking medicines or as a result of surgery. Solutions:
Changes in how food tastesHow food tastes often determines what you like to eat. If food begins to taste different — if it becomes too sweet, too bland, bitter or metallic-tasting — your appetite can be affected. Medicines often cause these taste changes. Solutions:
Sore mouth or throatA sore mouth or throat can make eating difficult. Medicines or mouth infections can cause soreness. Solutions:
Dryness in the mouthDryness in the mouth can make certain foods more difficult to eat. Fever, medicines, or mouth infections can cause dryness. Solutions:
NauseaNausea (an upset or "queasy" stomach) is a feeling of sickness that is sometimes accompanied by vomiting. Medicines, pain, constipation or the flu can cause nausea. Many medicines are available to treat nausea. Ask your provider if there is a medicine that can help you. Solutions:
DiarrheaDiarrhea is an increase in either the number of stools, the amount of liquid in the stools, or both. Medicines, a reaction to certain foods, stress, and ordinary colds or flu can cause diarrhea. Prolonged diarrhea can cause dehydration, weakness, fatigue and weight loss. When you have diarrhea, important nutrients such as calories, protein, vitamins, water, sodium and potassium are lost. This loss can be serious if you are already ill or trying to recover from an illness. Your provider must know the cause of diarrhea to treat it correctly. Try the following solutions for two days. If after that time you are still having diarrhea, call your provider. Liquids and nutrients are lost quickly, and treatment must begin before prolonged diarrhea causes harm. Solutions:
ConstipationConstipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or infrequent, usually more than 48 hours apart. Constipation can be caused by medicines and by not drinking or eating enough liquids or food, and inactivity. Solutions:
Swallowing problemsWeakness in the muscles of your mouth might make it difficult for you to chew and manage solid foods. A delay in the swallowing process in either your throat or pharynx (the digestive tube between the esophagus and mouth) might also make it difficult for you to swallow without coughing or choking. Solutions:
What should the nurse do to stimulate the appetite of a client who is not eating well quizlet?What intervention should the nurse perform in order to stimulate the client's appetite? Try to ensure that the client's food is attractive and sufficiently warm. Reduce the frequency of meals in order to allow the client to develop an appetite. Offer nutritional supplements and explain the potential benefits of each.
How do you stimulate someone's appetite?The following tips may help increase appetite and improve interest in eating:. Get plenty of rest.. Exercise lightly before meals to stimulate appetite. ... . Select enjoyable foods and foods that have a pleasant aroma.. Plan meals the day before eating them. ... . Stay well hydrated. ... . Aim for 6-8 small meals and snacks per day.. How can a nurse stimulate appetite?What independent nursing intervention can be implemented to stimulate appetite? Encourage or provide oral care.
What do you give someone with no appetite?Look for soft or pureed foods that anyone can eat, such as:. Rice pudding.. Shepherd's pie.. Scrambled eggs.. Tuna salad.. Split pea soup.. Biscuits and gravy.. Oatmeal with banana.. Peanut butter and jelly on white bread.. |