GI Nutrition and Therapeutic Diets Flashcards

Which statement about probiotics in GI nursing is most accurate?

Answer: Probiotics have strong evidence for preventing C. difficile-associated diarrhea

Evidence supports probiotic use (especially Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus) for reducing antibiotic-associated and C. difficile diarrhea.

A patient with celiac disease must strictly avoid which protein?

Answer: Gluten

Gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers the autoimmune response that damages intestinal villi in celiac disease.

Short bowel syndrome most commonly results in malabsorption of which nutrient class?

Answer: Fat-soluble vitamins and long-chain fatty acids

Fat absorption requires adequate small bowel surface area; short bowel syndrome leads to fat and fat-soluble vitamin malabsorption.

Which finding best indicates refeeding syndrome in a malnourished patient starting nutritional support?

Answer: Hypophosphatemia

Refeeding syndrome is characterized by dangerous hypophosphatemia as phosphate shifts into cells during carbohydrate metabolism.

A patient with pancreatitis who is transitioning from NPO to oral feeds should begin with which diet?

Answer: Low-fat, low-fiber soft diet

A low-fat, low-fiber soft diet minimizes pancreatic stimulation during the recovery phase of acute pancreatitis.

Which vitamin deficiency is most likely in a patient who has had a total gastrectomy?

Answer: Vitamin B12

Total gastrectomy eliminates intrinsic factor production, making B12 absorption impossible without supplementation.