What it means
How the body takes in food and uses it. Good nutrition gives the right amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. Poor nutrition, too little or too much, affects healing, the immune systemih-MYOON SIS-tumThe body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.Full entry and growth. When a person cannot eat, nutrition can be given by a tube into the gut (enteral) or into a vein (parenteral nutritionpuh-REN-ter-ul noo-TRISH-unNutrition given as a liquid straight into a vein instead of through the digestive tract.par- beside, beyondenter/o intestine-al relating toFull entry ).
For the nurse
Watch weight, intake and lab values such as albumin, and screen for problems with chewing, swallowing or appetite. Wound healing needs extra protein and calories.
At a glance
| Spanish | nutrición |
|---|---|
| Also written | nutritional |
Related terms
digestion
The process of breaking food down into small parts the body can absorb and use.
nutrient
A substance in food that the body needs for energy, growth and repair.
parenteral nutrition
Nutrition given as a liquid straight into a vein instead of through the digestive tract.
malnutrition
Poor nutrition from too little, too much or the wrong balance of nutrients.
metabolism
All the chemical processes in the body's cells that make energy, build tissue and break substances down.