Malnutrition.pdf

MALNUTRITION What is malnutrition ? Malnutrition is the condition that develops when the body is deprived of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function. Malnutrition occurs in people who are either undernourished or overnourished. Symptoms Mal...

MALNUTRITION What is malnutrition ? Malnutrition is the condition that develops when the body is deprived of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function. Malnutrition occurs in people who are either undernourished or overnourished. Symptoms Malnourished children may be short for their age, thin or bloated, listless and have weakened immune systems. Nutritional disorders can affect any system in the body and the senses of sight, taste and smell. They may also produce anxiety, changes in mood and other psychiatric symptoms. Other symptoms include: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Pale, thick and dry skin -Achy joints Bruising easily -Bones that are soft and tender Rashes -Gums that bleed easily Changes in skin pigmentation -Night blindness Thin hair that is tightly curled and pulls out easily Increased sensitivity to light and glare Tongue that may be swollen or shriveled and cracked Diagnosis Overall appearance, behavior, body fat distribution and organ function can alert a physician to the presence of malnutrition. Patients may be asked to record what they eat during a specific period. X-rays can determine bone density and reveal gastrointestinal disturbances, as well as heart and lung damage. Blood and urine tests are used to measure the patient's levels of vitamins, minerals and waste products. Treatment (parenteral nutrition) fed intravenously (enteral nutrition) through a tube inserted into the gastrointestinal tract