N105: Essentials of Nursing Care - Health Differences

Essentials of Nursing Study Guide

©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 20 of 160 is a severe deficiency of energy with an adequate supply of calories. This typically occurs between 1 – 4 years of age. Symptoms may be thin, wasted extremities, and prominent abdomen (ascites). Fatal deterioration may be caused by recurrent diarrhea, infection or circulatory failure. The defining sign of kwashiorkor in a malnourished child is pedal edema (swelling of the feet). Other signs include a distended abdomen, an enlarged liver with fatty infiltrates, thinning hair, loss of teeth, skin depigmentation, and dermatitis. Children with kwashiorkor often develop irritability and anorexia. Victims of kwashiorkor fail to produce antibodies following vaccination against diseases, including diphtheria and typhoid. Generally, the disease can be treated by adding protein to the diet; however, it can have a long- term impact on a child's physical and mental development, and in severe cases may lead to death. • Marasmus results from decreased intake of protein and calories. It is a syndrome of physical and emotional deprivation and is not confined to geographic areas where food is inadequate. calcium in the diet may also lead to rickets (cases of severe diarrhea and vomiting may be the cause of the deficiency). Although it can occur in adults, most of cases occur in children suffering from severe malnutrition, usually resulting from famine or starvation during the early stages of childhood. o Treatment: The most common treatment of rickets is the use of Vitamin D. • Beriberi: Beriberi is a nervous system ailment caused by a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Dry beriberi causes wasting and partial paralysis resulting from damaged peripheral nerves. It is also referred to as endemic neuritis. Wet beriberi affects the heart. It is sometimes fatal, as it causes a combination of heart failure and weakening of the capillary walls, which causes the peripheral tissues to become edematous. o Symptoms: Dry beriberi symptoms include difficulty in walking, tingling or loss of feeling in hands and feet (numbness), loss of muscle function or paralysis of the lower legs, mental confusion or speech difficulties, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), and vomiting. Wet beriberi symptoms include vasodilation leading to increased arteriovenous shunt, peripheral edema, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, increased heart rate, dyspnea on exertion, and swelling of the lower legs. o Diagnosis: Medical tests, including blood and urine test will help identify a thiamine deficiency. o Treatment: Beriberi is treated through thiamine supplements and shots. Secondary Nutritional Disease Secondary nutritional diseases occur as a complication of another disease or condition. • Protein and Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a major health problem particularly in children under 5 years of age. In developing countries diarrhea is a major factor. Additional factors are bottle feeding, inadequate knowledge of proper child care practices, parental illiteracy, economic and political factors, and lack of food. • Kwashiorkor

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online