Nutritional Guidance for Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, and Diarrhea

Jun 4, 2024

Nutritional Guidance for Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, and Diarrhea

Presenter: Cathy from Level Up RN

Overview

  • Coverage of nutritional guidance for:
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Constipation
    • Diarrhea
  • Includes a quiz at the end

Nausea

  • Common causes: Pregnancy, GI infection, cancer treatment
  • Interventions to reduce nausea:
    • Consume 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day
    • Drink small amounts of liquids during meals, more liquids between meals
    • Eat foods at room temperature or chilled
    • Prefer easily digested low-fat carbohydrates (e.g., crackers, toast)
    • Avoid strong food or drink smells

Vomiting

  • Interventions after vomiting stops:
    • Initially, avoid eating/drinking
    • Gradually introduce clear liquids, then full liquids, then solid foods
  • Key complication: Dehydration
    • Higher risk for children and older adults
    • Signs and symptoms of dehydration:
      • Weight loss
      • Hypotension
      • Tachycardia
      • Decreased urine output
      • Decreased skin turgor
      • Dry mucous membranes
      • Weak, thready pulse

Constipation

  • Defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week
  • Interventions:
    • Increase fluid intake
    • Consume fiber-rich foods (e.g., whole grains, vegetables, fruits)
    • Increase physical activity

Diarrhea

  • Definition: Loose, watery bowel movements
  • Common causes: Contaminated food/water, infection, chronic disorders
  • Key interventions:
    • Replace lost fluids and electrolytes
    • For adults: Consume fluids with electrolytes (e.g., sports drinks, Pedialyte)
    • BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) may help
    • For children: Use oral rehydration solutions (e.g., Pedialyte), resume regular diet ASAP
      • BRAT diet not recommended by American Academy of Pediatrics
      • BRAT diet is low in nutrients and may prolong symptoms
    • Higher risk for dehydration in infants, children, older adults
      • Monitor for signs and symptoms of dehydration

Quiz

  1. Drinking small amounts of liquids with meals helps reduce nausea. (True)
  2. Key complication of vomiting and diarrhea: Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
  3. Effect of dehydration on blood pressure and heart rate:
  • Blood pressure decreases
  • Heart rate increases
  1. Children with diarrhea should be given a BRAT diet. (False)
    • Use oral rehydration solution and resume regular diet ASAP

Closing

  • Reminder to subscribe and share the channel if the video was helpful