Therapeutic Diet Module: Importance and Description

Therapeutic diet = Adapted from a normal diet, qualitatively & quantitatively modified as per the patient's special need Normal diet = Consists of any and all food eaten by a healthy person; is planned keeping the basic food groups in mind Diet therapy = Nutrition care that encompasses the assessment and treatment of any disease, condition, or illness Nutritional therapy = The use of diet not only in the care of the sick, but also in the prevention of disease & the maintenance of health

Explain the importance of modified diets in client therapy = Understanding the significance of adjusted diets in client treatment Describe methods of dietary modifications for clients needing nutritional therapy = Explaining techniques for modifying diets to meet nutritional therapy needs Plan and prepare a therapeutic diet intended for specific therapeutic needs of client = Creating a specialized diet for a client's therapeutic requirements Integrate the roles and responsibilities of the nurse in providing nutritional therapy to client = Incorporating the nurse's duties in delivering nutritional therapy to clients

Clear Liquids = Indicated for hydration, bowel prep, and transition to solids from NPO Full Liquid Diet = Indicated for chewing or swallowing difficulties; includes all clear items, dairy, custards, or supplements Mechanical or Dental Soft Diet = Indicated for chewing or swallowing difficulties; includes liquids, minced, soft, chopped, ground foods, and cooked beans and eggs Pureed = Indicated for advanced chewing or swallowing difficulties; includes blenderized or pureed foods

Clear Liquids = To provide hydration and prepare for certain medical procedures Full Liquid Diet = To address chewing or swallowing difficulties Mechanical or Dental Soft Diet = To accommodate individuals with chewing or swallowing difficulties Pureed = To address advanced chewing or swallowing difficulties

Clear Liquids = Inadequate in all nutrients, low in energy; may require nutrition supplements if given for more than 5 days Full Liquid Diet = Nutritionally adequate when consumed with supplements Mechanical or Dental Soft Diet = Nutritionally adequate if all food groups are consumed; may be low in fiber Pureed = Nutritionally adequate if all food groups are consumed; must be presented in an attractive manner to stimulate appetite

Clear Liquids = Opaque liquids and solid foods are not allowed Full Liquid Diet = Solid foods and liquid at room temperature foods with added solids are not allowed Mechanical or Dental Soft Diet = Whole nuts, seeds, meat with casings, tough meats, hard-crusted bread, raw vegetables and fruits/vegetables with edible skin are not allowed Pureed = Whole nuts, seeds, hard bread/rolls, dried fruit, fruits/vegetables with edible skin, and any food that cannot be pureed to a smooth consistency are not allowed