Edapt Week 4 Introduction to Nutrition 
It is important for nurses to understand the relationship between nutrition and health in order to
anticipate and recognize cues and plan interventions. Access to adequate nutrition is essential for
health maintenance. Without appropriate nutrition, clients experience poor outcomes, delayed
healing, and adverse health effects.
Bulimia Nervosa
Which findings are used to describe bulimia nervosa? Select all that apply.
Eating disorders often begin in adolescence. Bulimia nervosa results in episodes of binge eating in
which a large amount of food is discretely and quickly eaten, followed by self-induced vomiting or the
use of laxatives or diuretics.
Anorexia nervosa results in self-restriction of food (energy) and very low body weight due to the fear
of gaining weight or appearing fat.
Malnutrition
Which serum laboratory tests may indicate malnutrition? Select all that apply.
While no one laboratory test will diagnose malnutrition, there are tests that portray nutrition status,
such as albumin and prealbumin (measures plasma proteins). Albumin is a better indicator of longterm chronic illness, whereas prealbumin is preferred for short-term changes in acute conditions.
TSH, BUN, and WBC are not impacted by malnutrition.
Nutritional Status
Many observable signs indicate a client’s nutritional status. What are physical signs of impaired
nutrition? Select all that apply.
Physical signs of impaired nutrition include:
 easily fatigued with no energy
 obesity (or overweight or underweight)
 anorexia
 dull, brittle, dry hair
A BMI of 22 is within normal limits and does not indicate impaired nutrition. A soft abdomen and
regular bowel habits are not indicative of impaired nutrition.
Types of Nutrients
Nutrition is the study of nutrients and how the body utilizes the nutrients in food. Nutrients are
substances that are essential to an individual's well-being, behavior, and environment. These
elements are needed for growth, maintenance, and repair of the body.
Non-essential nutrients are those that the body can produce if adequate amounts of necessary
precursors (building blocks) are available. Essential nutrients are those that a person must obtain
through food because the body cannot make sufficient quantities to meet its needs.
Macronutrients
Macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, protein) provide energy.