DACBN flashcards

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

Energy value of protein

Protein provides approximately 4 kcal per gram, the same as carbohydrate. This value is used in parenteral and enteral formula calculations and in estimating total energy intake from diet records.

Energy value of fat

Fat provides approximately 9 kcal per gram, more than twice the energy of carbohydrate or protein. This makes fat the most energy-dense macronutrient and central to energy-dense formula design.

Energy value of alcohol

Alcohol provides approximately 7 kcal per gram, between carbohydrate and fat. It is not a nutrient but contributes to total energy intake and can displace nutrient-dense foods.

Body mass index formula

BMI equals weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. A BMI of 18.5-24.9 is normal, 25-29.9 overweight, and 30 or above obesity.

Obesity class thresholds

Obesity class I is BMI 30.0-34.9, class II is 35.0-39.9, and class III is 40.0 or higher. These categories guide risk stratification and treatment intensity.

Ideal body weight Devine formula

For men, 50 kg plus 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet; for women, 45.5 kg plus 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. Used for drug dosing and nutrition estimates.

Adjusted body weight formula

Adjusted body weight equals ideal body weight plus 0.25 times the difference between actual and ideal body weight. It is used to estimate needs and drug doses in obesity.

Nitrogen balance equation

Nitrogen balance equals nitrogen intake minus urinary urea nitrogen plus 4 grams for insensible and non-urea losses. Positive balance means anabolism; negative means catabolism or inadequate intake.

Respiratory quotient values

RQ is about 1.0 for carbohydrate, 0.7 for fat, 0.8 for protein, and 0.85 for a mixed diet. An RQ above 1.0 suggests overfeeding and lipogenesis.

Refeeding syndrome definition

A potentially fatal shift of phosphate, potassium, and magnesium into cells after reintroducing nutrition in malnourished patients. It causes arrhythmias, weakness, and heart failure, requiring slow feeding and electrolyte monitoring.

Refeeding syndrome prevention

Start at 10-20 kcal/kg/day, give thiamine 100 mg before feeding, and correct phosphate, potassium, and magnesium. Check electrolytes daily for the first week in high-risk patients.

Enteral versus parenteral nutrition

Enteral nutrition is preferred when the gastrointestinal tract functions because it maintains gut mucosa and lowers infection risk. Parenteral nutrition is reserved for obstruction, severe malabsorption, or prolonged ileus.

Protein needs in critical illness

Critically ill adults need approximately 1.2-2.0 g/kg/day of protein, higher than the 0.8 g/kg/day for healthy adults, to offset catabolism and support wound healing and immune function.

Protein restriction in kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease without dialysis generally uses 1.0-1.5 g/kg/day, with lower intakes (0.6-0.8 g/kg/day) considered only under close dietitian supervision to delay progression.

Vitamin D adult intake

Adults generally need 600-800 IU/day of vitamin D, with higher doses in older adults or those with limited sun exposure. Deficiency causes osteomalacia and contributes to falls and fractures.

Iron intake recommendations

Men need about 8 mg/day of iron and menstruating women about 18 mg/day. Pregnancy raises the requirement further. Heme iron from meat is absorbed better than non-heme iron.

Folate in pregnancy

Folate needs rise to about 600 mcg/day in pregnancy, and 400 mcg/day of folic acid before conception reduces neural tube defects. Supplementation should begin at least one month before pregnancy.

Calcium adult requirement

Adults generally need 1,000-1,200 mg/day of calcium, increasing after age 50 and in postmenopausal women. Adequate calcium plus vitamin D supports bone mineral density.

Dietary reference intake categories

DRIs include the Estimated Average Requirement, Recommended Dietary Allowance, Adequate Intake, and Tolerable Upper Intake Level. Each describes a different level of intake adequacy or safety.

Malnutrition screening tools

Common tools include MUST, NRS-2002, and MNA for older adults. They combine weight loss, BMI, intake reduction, and disease severity to identify patients needing nutrition intervention.

Albumin as nutrition marker

Serum albumin is a poor acute nutrition marker because it falls with inflammation, infection, and liver disease. It reflects inflammation more than recent dietary intake.

Prealbumin interpretation

Prealbumin has a short half-life but also falls with inflammation and rises with renal failure. Trends, not single values, are more useful for monitoring nutrition response.

Dumping syndrome nutrition

After gastric surgery, rapid emptying causes nausea, sweating, and diarrhea. Small frequent low-sugar meals, protein with each meal, and fluids between meals reduce symptoms.

Celiac disease diet

A strict lifelong gluten-free diet excluding wheat, barley, and rye is the only treatment. Patients need monitoring of iron, folate, calcium, and vitamin D for deficiency.

Lactose intolerance management

Reduce lactose-containing foods, use lactase supplements, and choose fermented dairy or lactose-free products. Calcium and vitamin D intake must be maintained to prevent deficiency.

Phenylketonuria diet

PKU requires restriction of phenylalanine with a low-protein diet and special medical formula. Aspartame must be avoided because it contains phenylalanine.

Diabetes carbohydrate counting

Carbohydrate counting matches insulin to grams of carbohydrate using an insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio. Consistency in carbohydrate intake improves glycemic control and reduces hypoglycemia risk.

Glycemic index definition

The glycemic index ranks carbohydrate foods by their blood glucose rise compared with a reference food. Low-GI foods produce a slower, smaller glucose response.

DASH diet components

The DASH diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein while limiting sodium, saturated fat, and sweets. It lowers blood pressure.

Dietary fiber types

Soluble fiber (oats, legumes, psyllium) lowers cholesterol and glucose; insoluble fiber (wheat bran) adds bulk and speeds transit. Adults need about 25-38 g/day of total fiber.

Trans fat labeling

Partially hydrogenated oils raise LDL and lower HDL cholesterol. Labels may list 0 g trans fat if under 0.5 g per serving, so ingredient lists must be checked.

Parenteral nutrition complications

Complications include catheter-related infection, hyperglycemia, refeeding syndrome, and hepatic steatosis. Monitoring glucose, electrolytes, and liver enzymes is essential during therapy.