Question

THEME: NASOGASTRIC TUBE INSERTION

Describe the components and general functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) system.

What aspects should be considered when making the nutritional estimate of the patient?

What type of patient may present alterations in their eating pattern and need assistance from the nursing professional? Provide examples.

Mention the effects of malnutrition on the patient.

Answer 1

The hollow organs that make up the GI tractare the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine—which includes the rectum—and Food enters the mouth and passes to the out through the hollow organs of the GI tract. The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder are the solid organs of thedigestive system.he principal functions of the gastrointestinal tract are to digest and absorb ingested nutrients, and to excrete waste products of digestion. Most nutrients are ingested in a form that is either too complex for absorptionor insoluble, and therefore, indigestible or incapable of being digested.The digestive system has three main functions relating to food: digestion of food, absorptionof nutrients from food, and elimination of solid food waste.

A comprehensive nutritional assessment includes (1) anthropometric measurements ofbody composition; (2) biochemical measurements of serum protein, micronutrients, and metabolic parameters; (3) clinical assessment of altered nutritional requirements and social or psychological issues that may preclude adequate intake;

o ensure that patients and clients' nutritionalneeds are met. Providing nutrition screening and appropriate nutrition advice is essential to improve healthy eating and subsequent health outcomes. Non-communicable diseases are often associated with modifiable risk factors. The purpose of nutritionalscreening is to rapidly identify patients at highnutritional risk. The purpose of nutritional assessment, however, is to define a patient's nutritional status, to define clinically relevantmalnutrition and to monitor changes innutritional status.In conclusion providing good nutrition isimportant in the prevention of malnutrition, degenerative diseases and overall well being of patients. It is vital for nurses to develop good nutritional knowledge and interpersonal skills to be able to provide holistic quality caretowards the recovery of patients.

Malnutrition refers to getting too little or too much of certain nutrients. It can lead to serious health issues, including stunted growth, eye problems, diabetes and heart disease.Malnutrition affects billions of people worldwide.slower immune response which increases the risk of getting infections, and increases the length of time that it takes to recover frominfection, difficulty staying warm as a result of having less muscle and tissue mass, increasing the risk of hypothermia (the inability to maintain normal body temperature

Malnutrition affects the function and recovery of every organ system.

• Muscle function. Weight loss due to depletion of fat and muscle mass, including organ mass, is often the most obvious sign of malnutrition. ...
• Cardio-respiratory function. ...
• Gastrointestinal function. ...
• Immunity and wound healing. ...
• Psychosocial effects.