Question

Create a scenario. Your patient will be having an elective surgery and you need to counsel them on increased protein requirement.

Answer 1

A patient being admitted in the hospital for an elective surgery asks the nurse 'I am scheduled for surgery soon.Are there particular foods i should be eating to boost my immune system and help speed recovery?The nurse explains to the patient as well as to his immediate family members the importance of having a dietary regimen ,that needs to be followed before surgery ,as well as explains to him the importance of increasing protein requirement before the proposed surgery.she further tells that it is possible to tewak your diet to enhance recovery from surgery.Certain aminoacids seems to help wounds heal faster,so before and especially after surgery make sure your meals and snacks feature fish ,chicken,eggs,brown rice,walnuts,almonds and sunflower seeds.Drinking a glass of Orange juice and eating the daily recommended amount of fruit and produce should provide all the C you need.

The nurse tells the patient that the presence of malnutrition can contribute to a poor clinical outcome by affecting body structure,function,physical,and psychological health.Protein has a direct role in regulating the stress response associated with surgery and post operative catabolism.It is found that adequate protein intakes are associated with reduced hospital stay after surgery.Patients undergoing uncomplicated elective surgery and recovery lose 2Kg total lean mass.

The nurse explains in detail the importance of having adequate levels of protein before surgery.Protein serves as an important role in tissue maintenance,wound healing and slowing protein catabolism particularly after major surgery.Post operative protein typically ranges between 1.2 and 2g/kg,with the lower end for patients after uncomplicated elective surgery and the higher end recommended after major surgery.