Nutrition across the lifespan and in disease
Nutritional needs change with age, pregnancy, and illness. Nurses tailor advice and support to each patient. For study only, not clinical guidance: always follow your programme, current local protocols, and supervising clinicians.
Infants and children
Breast milk or formula provides complete nutrition for the first months; the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about six months, with solids introduced around then. Iron-rich foods are important from about six months. Growth charts track weight, length, and head circumference to identify problems early.
Adolescents
Adolescents need extra energy, protein, calcium, and iron for rapid growth. Diets high in sugary drinks and processed foods are common. Nurses also watch for signs of eating disorders, which often begin in adolescence.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Needs for folate, iron, iodine, calcium, and protein increase in pregnancy. Energy needs rise modestly, mainly in later pregnancy. Certain fish high in mercury, unpasteurised products, and alcohol should be avoided. Breastfeeding increases energy and fluid needs.
Older adults
Older adults often need fewer calories but the same or more protein, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Reduced appetite, dental problems, loneliness, medications, and limited mobility can lead to malnutrition. Sarcopenia, age-related muscle loss, is worsened by low protein intake and inactivity.
Diabetes nutrition
People with diabetes benefit from consistent meal timing, attention to carbohydrate quantity and quality, fibre, and limiting sugary drinks. Carbohydrate counting helps match insulin doses to meals. Hypoglycaemia is commonly treated with about 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate, rechecking glucose after 15 minutes (the 15-15 rule), per local protocol.
Cardiovascular and kidney disease
Heart-healthy eating emphasises vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and unsaturated fats, limiting sodium, saturated fat, and processed meats; the DASH diet lowers blood pressure. Kidney disease diets limit potassium, phosphorus, and sodium, and may adjust protein and fluids, tailored to the stage of disease and dialysis.
Food, culture, and access
Food choices reflect culture, religion, and personal values: halal and kosher rules, vegetarian and vegan diets, and fasting periods such as Ramadan. Food insecurity, lacking reliable access to enough nutritious food, affects health outcomes; nurses can screen for it and connect patients with resources.
Worked example
A patient with diabetes has a blood glucose of 60 mg/dL and feels shaky but is alert and able to swallow. Following the 15-15 rule per protocol, the nurse gives 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets or 120-150 mL of juice, rechecks after 15 minutes, repeats if still low, then offers a snack or meal once glucose recovers.
Key takeaways
Infants need breast milk or formula, with solids and iron-rich foods from about six months; growth charts track development. Adolescents need extra nutrients for growth. Pregnancy increases needs for folate, iron, iodine, and protein. Older adults need fewer calories but adequate protein and vitamins and are at malnutrition risk. Diabetes care includes carbohydrate management and the 15-15 rule. Heart and kidney diets target sodium and other nutrients. Respect culture and screen for food insecurity.
Flashcard
About six months, WHO recommendation
Check your understanding
According to the 15-15 rule, what should a nurse do after giving 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate for hypoglycaemia?