GI Nutrition and Therapeutic Diets Flashcards

Which diet is most appropriate for a patient with acute diverticulitis?

Answer: Clear liquid diet

A clear liquid diet rests the bowel and reduces inflammation during acute diverticulitis flares.

A patient with Crohn's disease is at highest risk for deficiency of which vitamin due to terminal ileum involvement?

Answer: Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is absorbed exclusively in the terminal ileum, which is frequently diseased in Crohn's disease.

Which nutritional support route is preferred when a patient's GI tract is functional but oral intake is insufficient?

Answer: Enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube

Enteral nutrition is preferred over parenteral nutrition when the GI tract is functional because it preserves gut mucosal integrity.

A low-residue diet is indicated for which patient?

Answer: Patient post-bowel resection anastomosis

A low-residue diet reduces stool bulk and is recommended after bowel anastomosis to minimize stress on the surgical site.

Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with prolonged nasogastric suctioning?

Answer: Hypokalemia

Prolonged NG suction removes gastric fluid rich in potassium, leading to hypokalemia.

In a patient with hepatic encephalopathy, which dietary modification is recommended?

Answer: Moderate protein intake with preference for branched-chain amino acids

Current guidelines recommend moderate protein (1.2–1.5 g/kg/day) with branched-chain amino acids rather than severe protein restriction.