Author Question: Do nutrition support and nutritional status play a role in enabling a patient to be weaned from a ... (Read 35 times)

jjjetplane · **on:** Aug 21, 2018

Do nutrition support and nutritional status play a role in enabling a patient to be weaned from a respiratory ventilator? Explain.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Do any lifestyle issues need to be addressed with this patient? Explain.

What will be an ideal response?

underwood14 · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Because nutrient metabolism involves both inspiration of oxygen and expiration of carbon dioxide, and mechanical ventilation is affected by each of these, certainly nutrition support plays a role.
Most importantly, overfeeding, and thus an increase of carbon dioxide production, may increase dependency on mechanical ventilation if underlying respiratory status is impaired.
Additionally, malnutrition affects all muscles and ability to perform work.
This weakens respiratory muscles, which further alters ability to ventilate normally.
Malnutrition may also impair immune function, which increases risk of infection and other complications.
Since mechanical ventilation impairs one's ability to engage in oral food intake, nutrition support is required to prevent malnutrition/further clinical complications.

Answer to Question 2

The role of smoking in ulcer disease should be addressed. Referrals to assist with smoking cessation can be made within the health care team.