RDN-AP flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Indirect calorimetry

Method measuring oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production to calculate resting energy expenditure and respiratory quotient; preferred over predictive equations in critically ill patients.

Respiratory quotient

Ratio of CO2 produced to O2 consumed; values 0.85–1.0 indicate mixed substrate oxidation, while values above 1.0 suggest net lipogenesis or overfeeding.

Nitrogen balance

Nitrogen intake minus nitrogen losses (urinary urea nitrogen plus 4 g for insensible losses); positive balance of 2–4 g/day supports anabolism but is unreliable in renal failure.

GLIM criteria

Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition framework requiring at least one phenotypic criterion (weight loss, low BMI, reduced muscle mass) plus one etiologic criterion (reduced intake or inflammation).

Sarcopenia

Age-related loss of muscle strength and mass; EWGSOP2 uses low grip strength as primary criterion, confirmed by low muscle quantity and impaired physical performance.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis

Estimates body composition from electrical impedance; accuracy is limited by hydration status, edema, and electrolyte shifts, especially in critically ill patients.

Refeeding syndrome

Potentially fatal shift of electrolytes, especially phosphate, potassium, and magnesium, after reintroducing nutrition in malnourished patients; start low, replete thiamine, monitor daily.

Permissive underfeeding

Deliberate delivery of about 70–80% of measured or calculated energy needs during the first week of critical illness to avoid overfeeding complications.

Propofol calories

Propofol is formulated in a 10% lipid emulsion providing 1.1 kcal/mL; sedation calories must be counted in energy totals to prevent overfeeding.

CRRT protein needs

Continuous renal replacement therapy removes amino acids and water-soluble vitamins; protein requirements may reach 1.5–2.5 g/kg/day adjusted for urea kinetics.

Early enteral nutrition

Initiation of enteral feeding within 24–48 hours in hemodynamically stable critically ill patients; preserves gut integrity and reduces infectious complications.

Gastric residual volume

Volume aspirated from a feeding tube; routine holding for values under 500 mL without other intolerance signs is not recommended.

Parenteral nutrition indications

Used when enteral nutrition is contraindicated or unable to meet more than 60% of needs after 7–10 days; requires central access for high-osmolarity formulas.

Peripheral parenteral nutrition

Parenteral nutrition delivered through a peripheral vein; limited by osmolarity above about 900 mOsm/L, which causes phlebitis.

Transition from PN to EN

Wean parenteral nutrition only when enteral nutrition provides more than 60% of energy needs; abrupt discontinuation risks hypoglycemia.

DASH eating pattern

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension; emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while limiting sodium, saturated fat, and sweets.

CKD protein restriction

Non-dialysis chronic kidney disease typically uses 0.6–0.8 g/kg/day protein with 30–35 kcal/kg energy; dialysis patients need 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day.

Cardiac cachexia

Involuntary weight loss and muscle wasting in heart failure driven by inflammation and catabolism; requires nutrition support and monitoring of fluid status.

COPD energy needs

Increased work of breathing raises energy requirements to about 1.2–1.5 times predicted; small frequent meals and lower-carbohydrate patterns may reduce CO2 production.

Trophic feeding

Small-volume enteral feeding intended to maintain gut integrity rather than meet full energy needs; used in preterm infants and some critically ill adults.

Human milk fortifier

Supplement added to human milk for preterm infants to increase protein, energy, and mineral content and support growth.

Necrotizing enterocolitis

Inflammatory bowel necrosis in preterm infants; management includes holding enteral feeds, parenteral nutrition, and slow reintroduction after resolution.

Fenton growth chart

Growth reference for preterm infants plotting weight, length, and head circumference by gestational age; used to monitor growth in neonatal intensive care.

Short bowel syndrome

Malabsorption after extensive intestinal resection; management includes enteral adaptation, parenteral nutrition if needed, and monitoring for micronutrient deficiencies.

Cirrhosis protein intake

Recommended 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day protein without routine restriction; a late-evening snack reduces catabolism and supports nitrogen balance.

Pancreatic enzyme replacement

Lipase-containing enzymes taken with meals to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; fat-soluble vitamin supplementation is often required.

Cancer cachexia

Multifactorial muscle and fat loss driven by inflammation and tumor metabolism; managed with nutrition counseling, exercise, and appetite stimulants.

ERAS protocol

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery; includes preoperative carbohydrate loading, avoidance of prolonged fasting, early oral intake, and early mobilization.

Preoperative nutrition support

Seven to fourteen days of nutrition support before major surgery in severely malnourished patients to reduce postoperative complications.

GRADE system

Framework rating certainty of evidence and strength of recommendations; used to translate research into clinical practice guidelines.

PICO framework

Structured clinical question format: Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome; used to guide literature searches and evidence appraisal.

PDSA cycle

Plan-Do-Study-Act; iterative quality improvement method used to test changes and track process and outcome measures over time.