Page 335 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

A. Hematological studies and studies evaluating protein balance
1. Complete blood cell count with red blood cell indices
and peripheral smear to differentiate between
anemias and nutritional deficiencies
2. Long-term protein status can be determined by
evaluating serum albumin levels.
3. Short-term protein status is best determined by
evaluating retinol-binding protein, prealbumin,
transferrin, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
levels.
4. Serum electrolytes (see Chapter 8).
5. Nitrogen balance is evaluated by measuring urea in
the urine, which provides information regarding
protein loss.

Always assess the client’s ability to eat and swallow and

promote independence in eating as much as is possible.
III. MyPlate (Fig. 11-1)
A. Provides a description of a balanced diet that includes grains,
vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and protein foods (see
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/).
B. A nutritionist should be consulted for individualized dietary
recommendations (see Box 11-3 for nutrition throughout growth
and development).
C. Guidelines
1. Avoid eating oversized portions of foods.
2. Fill half of the plate with fruits and vegetables.
3. Vary the type of vegetables and fruits eaten.
4. Select at least half of the grains as whole grains.
5. Ensure that foods from the dairy group are high in
calcium.
6. Drink milk that is fat-free or low fat (1%).
7. Eat protein foods that are lean.
8. Select fresh foods over frozen or canned foods.
9. Drink water rather than liquids that contain sugar.

Always consider the client’s cultural, spiritual, and personal

choices when planning nutritional intake.
IV. 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
A. Provides average daily consumption guidelines for the five food
groups (see https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/).
B. Guidelines
1. Maintain healthy body weight.
2. Increase physical activity and decrease sedentary
activities.

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