BCNSP key terms

A bedside measurement of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production used to calculate resting energy expenditure and respiratory quotient, guiding calorie prescription when predictive equations are unreliable.

The calories burned at rest to maintain vital functions, often estimated by predictive equations or measured by indirect calorimetry, forming the basis for energy goals in nutrition support.

Formulas such as Harris-Benedict or Mifflin-St Jeor that estimate energy needs from variables like weight, height, age, and sex, used when indirect calorimetry is unavailable.

The difference between nitrogen intake and nitrogen losses, used to assess whether protein intake meets catabolic demand and to monitor adequacy of nutrition support.

A laboratory test measuring urea nitrogen excreted over 24 hours, used with dietary nitrogen intake to calculate nitrogen balance and estimate protein catabolism.

The ratio of carbon dioxide produced to oxygen consumed, reflecting substrate oxidation; values above 1.0 may suggest overfeeding with excess carbohydrate and lipogenesis.

A structured head-to-toe assessment for signs of malnutrition such as muscle wasting, fat loss, edema, and skin or hair changes, interpreted alongside history and intake data.

A validated clinical tool that classifies nutritional status as well nourished, moderately malnourished, or severely malnourished using history, intake, symptoms, function, and physical findings.

A rapid initial process, often using tools like MST or NRS-2002, to identify patients at nutritional risk who need a comprehensive assessment and possible nutrition support.

A potentially fatal shift of electrolytes, especially phosphate, potassium, and magnesium, after reintroducing calories in malnourished patients, requiring cautious advancement and close monitoring.

Abnormally low serum phosphate, a hallmark of refeeding syndrome that can cause weakness, respiratory failure, and cardiac dysfunction, requiring prompt replacement and calorie restriction.

Administration of vitamin B1 before or during refeeding in at-risk patients to prevent Wernicke encephalopathy and beriberi associated with carbohydrate loading.

Delivery of liquid nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract via a tube, preferred over parenteral nutrition when the gut works and can be safely accessed.

Intravenous delivery of nutrients, including amino acids, dextrose, lipids, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, used when enteral or oral intake is insufficient or contraindicated.

A flexible tube passed through the nose into the stomach for short-term enteral feeding or decompression, requiring verification of placement before use.

A feeding tube placed directly through the abdominal wall into the stomach under endoscopic guidance, typically for long-term enteral access when the stomach is functional.

Placement of a catheter in a large central vein, such as the superior vena cava, allowing infusion of hypertonic parenteral nutrition solutions and repeated blood sampling.

A catheter inserted through a peripheral vein and advanced to a central location, used for intermediate-term parenteral nutrition or medications when central access is needed.

Confirmation that an enteral tube is correctly positioned, using radiography or pH testing of aspirate, because auscultation alone is unreliable and misplacement can cause harm.

The likelihood that gastric or oropharyngeal contents enter the airway, influenced by consciousness, positioning, tube location, and motility, guiding feeding method and monitoring.

The amount of formula aspirated from a feeding tube to assess gastric emptying; routine checks are controversial, but high volumes may prompt holding feeds or prokinetic therapy.

Administration of a measured volume of enteral formula over a short period, often by syringe, mimicking meals but requiring tolerance and low aspiration risk.

Delivery of enteral formula at a constant rate over many hours, often via pump, used for patients with poor tolerance, critical illness, or duodenal or jejunal feeding.

The concentration of osmotically active particles in a solution; high-osmolality enteral formulas or rapid delivery can cause diarrhea, and parenteral solutions must be diluted appropriately.

A commercially prepared liquid containing protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, and minerals, selected by nutrient density, fiber, osmolality, and disease-specific needs.

A parenteral nutrition bag combining amino acids, dextrose, and lipid emulsion, which reduces compounding steps but requires compatibility and stability assessment.

A sterile intravenous fat preparation, often soybean or mixed-oil based, providing essential fatty acids and energy; requires separate infusion or validated mixing with other nutrients.

A bloodstream infection attributed to a central venous catheter, a serious parenteral nutrition complication prevented by sterile technique, hub care, and prompt removal when suspected.

Providing more calories than needed, which can cause hyperglycemia, azotemia, hepatic steatosis, increased carbon dioxide production, and refeeding complications.

Frequent loose stools, a common enteral nutrition complication related to formula osmolality, delivery rate, medications, or infection, requiring systematic evaluation and adjustment.

The coordinated handoff of nutrition support between settings, including home enteral or parenteral plans, monitoring schedules, education, and communication among providers.

Parenteral nutrition administered outside the hospital for patients with chronic intestinal failure, requiring trained caregivers, sterile compounding, and ongoing monitoring.

The process of preparing a patient and caregivers to continue nutrition support safely after leaving the hospital, covering equipment, supplies, education, and follow-up.

Malabsorption from loss of functional small bowel, often after resection, managed with specialized enteral or parenteral nutrition and sometimes intestinal rehabilitation.

A severe, catabolic state requiring timely nutrition assessment, often enteral feeding within 24-48 hours, careful protein dosing, and vigilance for refeeding and aspiration.

The amount of protein needed daily, increased in catabolic or wounded patients, calculated from weight and clinical status to support healing and preserve lean mass.

The daily water needed to maintain balance, estimated from weight, losses, and organ function, and adjusted in enteral or parenteral formulas to avoid overload or dehydration.