Illness and nutrition
Illness has many effects on the body’s ability to use nutrients and upon the specific requirements. Lack of appetite, vomiting, and pain often prevent the intake of a sufficient amount of food. In severe diarrhea the absorption of all nutrients is poor, so that loss of weight, dehydration, and signs of malnutrition may be found. A fever increases the rate of metabolism, thus increasing the need for calories, protein, and vitamins. In metabolic diseases nutrients are not utilized fully; for example, the untreated diabetic patient will not make adequate use of carbohydrate. The patient who must remain in bed or in a wheelchair for a long time usually loses increased amounts of nitrogen and calcium from his body. As the student becomes more experienced in the care of patients, she will undoubtedly find numerous examples of the effects of illness upon nutrition.
Medications and diet
Some drugs interfere with food intake because they produce nausea and vomiting. Others reduce the absorption of nutrients because they interfere with enzyme activity, block the absorption of some vitamins, or lead to diarrhea. On the other hand, food can also interact with the medications so that absorption is reduced. Thus, the peak of effectiveness of the drug may never be reached. The nurse, dietitian, and pharmacist must take these factors into account to assure maximum effectiveness of the drug as well as optimum food intake and utilization.
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