Nutrition for Special Groups

Nutrition for Special Groups 3(3+0)

Lesson 41 : Surgery

Post Operative Nutritional Care

Nutrient Needs for Healing

1. Post operative nutrient losses are great, but food intake is diminished.
2. Protein losses occur during surgery from tissue breakdown and blood loss.
3. Catabolism usually occurs after surgery (tissue breakdown and loss exceed tissue buildup).
4. Negative nitrogen balance may occur.

Need for Increased Ptotein

• Building tissue for wound healing
• Controlling shock
• Controlling edema
• Healing bone
• Resisting infection
• Transporting lipids

Problems Resulting From Protein Deficiency

1. Poor healing of wounds and fractures
2. Rapture of suture lines (dehiscence)
3. Depressed heart and lung function
4. Anemia, liver damage
5. Failure of gastrointestinal stomas to function
6. Reduced resistance to infection
7. Extensive weight loss
8. Increased mortality risk.

Other Post operative Concerns

1. Ensure sufficient fluids to prevent dehydration.
2. Provide sufficient non protein calories for energy in order to spare protein for tissue building
3. Ensure adequate vitamins
4. Ensure adequate potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc.
5. Avoid electrolyte imbalances.

Initial Intravenous Fluid and Electrolytes

• Oral feeding is encouraged soon after surgery.
• Routine postoperative intravenous fluids supply hydration and electrolytes, not k calories and nutrients.