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Nutrition for Nurses

Chapter Summary

Nutrition for NursesChapter Summary

Chapter Summary

  • Carbohydrates, fats, protein, and water are essential for all body systems.
  • Helping clients manipulate proper energy intake while maintaining dietary recommendations and satisfying personal tastes requires a basic understanding of nutrition.
  • Carbohydrates provide easily metabolized sugars contributed by grains, legumes, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Fats play many essential roles in the body, but because of their caloric density, they can contribute to obesity and cardiovascular disease.
  • Protein is critical to cell development; complete proteins (providing all of the essential amino acids) are regularly needed. Protein can contribute to a diet higher in fat.
  • Water guidelines cover normal fluid losses but may need to be altered for certain conditions.
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