Artificial nutrition and hydration Health Dictionary

Artificial Nutrition And Hydration: From 1 Different Sources


the use of enteral feeding tubes or cannulas to administer nutrients and fluids directly into the gastrointestinal tract or bloodstream when the oral route cannot be used owing to disability or disease. When other intensive treatments are judged *futile, artificial nutrition and hydration are considered *extraordinary means of prolonging life in patients who have no prospect of recovery. It is permissible to withdraw such treatment when it is no longer in the patient’s interests and when the primary intention is not to kill the patient, although death is foreseen (see doctrine of double effect). In cases of patients in a *persistent vegetative state in England and Wales, the matter must be referred to the courts following the case of Tony Bland. Where food and water are withdrawn it is still considered important to moisten the patient’s lips and to keep him or her comfortable until death.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Nutrition

1 The process of nourishing or being nourished, especially the process by which a living organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and for replacement of tissues. 2 The science or study that deals with food and nourishment, especially in humans.... nutrition

Artificial Respiration

Forced introduction of air into the lungs of someone who has stopped breathing (see respiratory arrest) or whose breathing is inadequate. As an emergency first-aid measure, artificial respiration can be given mouth-to-mouth or mouth-tonose, which can prevent brain damage due to oxygen deprivation; a delay in breathing for more than 6 minutes can cause death. Cardiac compressions may also be necessary if poor respiration has led to cessation of the heartbeat (see cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Artificial respiration can be continued by use of a ventilator (see ventilation).... artificial respiration

Artificial Insemination

A form of assisted conception in which semen is introduced artificially into the uterus, instead of by sexual intercourse, with the aim of inducing pregnancy.

There are 2 types of artificial insemination: , artificial insemination with the semen of the woman’s male partner; and , insemination with a donor’s sperm. is usually used for couples who are unable to have intercourse, or if the man has a low sperm count or a low volume of ejaculate. It is also used when semen has been stored from a man prior to treatment (such as chemotherapy) that has made him sterile. is available to couples if the man is infertile or is a carrier of a genetic disease. It may also be used by a woman who wants children but has no male partner.

Insemination is timed to coincide with natural ovulation or may be combined with treatment to stimulate ovulation.... artificial insemination

Artificial Intelligence (ai)

The design and study of computer systems that have properties resembling human intelligence, such as natural language, problem-solving, and analysis of novel situations.... artificial intelligence (ai)

Artificial Joints

See ARTHROPLASTY.... artificial joints

Artificial Kidney

See DIALYSIS.... artificial kidney

Artificial Limbs And Other Parts

See PROSTHESIS.... artificial limbs and other parts

Artificial Respiration

See APPENDIX 1: BASIC FIRST AID.... artificial respiration

Artificial Ventilation Of The Lungs

When we breathe in, the outward movement of the chest increases the volume of the lungs and the pressure in them falls below that of the outside world. Therefore, air is drawn in automatically. When we breathe out, some air exits because of the normal elastic recoil of the lungs, but we also force air out by using the muscles of the chest and the DIAPHRAGM. Replicating this arti?cially involves using a device to produce intermittent positive or negative pressure ventilation as described below.... artificial ventilation of the lungs

Heart, Artificial

A mechanical device in the chest that enhances or takes over the pumping action of the HEART, thus maintaining the necessary level of circulation of blood through the lungs and other body structures. An arti?cial heart was ?rst used in humans in 1985 and the three types in use are: an intra-aortic balloon pump, driven by compressed air, which in?ates a balloon in the AORTA with every heartbeat, increasing the volume of circulating blood; an electrical device that assists the left VENTRICLE by pumping blood into the abdominal aorta; and a mechanical arti?cial heart that replaces a diseased heart that has been removed. As yet there is no arti?cial heart suitable for long-term use. Existing devices are intended to tide over a patient who is extremely ill until a live heart can be transplanted from a donor. The results from arti?cial hearts have been disappointing because of complications and also because the patients have usually been already dangerously ill.... heart, artificial

Kidney, Artificial

See DIALYSIS.... kidney, artificial

Limbs, Artificial

See PROSTHESIS.... limbs, artificial

Parenteral Nutrition

In severely ill patients – especially those who have had major surgery or those with SEPSIS, burns, acute pancreatitis (see PANCREAS, DISORDERS OF) and renal failure – the body’s reserves of protein become exhausted. This results in weight loss; reduction in muscle mass; a fall in the serum albumin (see ALBUMINS) and LYMPHOCYTE count; and an impairment of cellular IMMUNITY. Severely ill patients are unable to take adequate food by mouth to repair the body protein loss so that enteral or parenteral nutrition is required. Enteral feeding is through the gastrointestinal tract with the aid of a nasogastric tube; parenteral nutrition involves the provision of carbohydrate, fat and proteins by intravenous administration.

The preferred route for the infusion of hyperosmolar solutions is via a central venous catheter (see CATHETERS). If parenteral nutrition is required for more than two weeks, it is advisable to use a long-term type of catheter such as the Broviac, Hickman or extra-corporeal type, which is made of silastic material and is inserted via a long subcutaneous tunnel; this not only helps to ?x the catheter but also minimises the risk of ascending infection.

Dextrose is considered the best source of carbohydrate and may be used as a 20 per cent or 50 per cent solution. AMINO ACIDS should be in the laevo form and should contain the correct proportion of essential (indispensable) and non-essential amino acids. Preparations are available with or without electrolytes and with or without fat emulsions.

The main hazards of intravenous feeding are blood-borne infections made possible by continued direct access to the circulation, and biochemical abnormalities related to the composition of the solutions infused. The continuous use of hypertonic solutions of glucose can cause HYPERGLYCAEMIA and glycosuria and the resultant POLYURIA may lead to dehydration. Treatment with INSULIN is needed when hyper-osmolality occurs, and in addition the water and sodium de?cits will require to be corrected.... parenteral nutrition

Nutrition Association, The.

To assist people to find a nutritionist in their area. Concerned with all aspects of diet – proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fibre, vitamins, minerals and other trace components of food. Factors which may affect a person’s nutritional status such as dietary imbalances, food allergies, food processing, additives, drug therapy, metabolic and digestive disorders, personal life-style, stress, exercise and environmental factors. Maintains a directory of practising nutritionists. Promotes educational courses, encourages research.

Address: 24, Harcourt House, 19, Cavendish Square, London W1M 0AB. ... nutrition association, the.

Artificial Kidney

The common name for the machine used in dialysis.... artificial kidney

Tea For Hydration

Hydration represents the ability of the body to manage water. The optimal hydration is not provided by water only. It should be accompanied by fruit and vegetable consumption. There are some symptoms which come with dehydration: little or no urine or urine that is darker than usual, dry mouth, sleepiness or fatigue, extreme thirst, headache, confusion, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, no tears when crying. How Tea for Hydration works A tea for hydration usually helps the body to keep water within. Efficient Teas for Hydration It has been proved that herbal tea as mint and verbena are efficient for hydration. Mint is a well known plant, due to its ability to soothe the digestive tract. It is appreciated for its flavor and taste, being an important ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry. To prepare Mint tea, infuse 2 tablespoons of dried leaves in a cup of boiling water. After steeping it about 15 minutes, you may enjoy the beverage. As a tea for hydration, Mint tea has been used for centuries all over the planet. It enhances the ability of cells to keep water within for a longer period of time. Verbena is a plant originating from South America (Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Paraguay). It has a lemony scent, being preferred in the perfume industry. In cuisine, verbena could replace oregano, especially in fish and poultry dishes. To prepare Verbena tea , immerse about 2 teaspoons of dried verbena herbs or ¼ teaspoon of fresh leaves and tops into one cup of boiling water. Let the mixture soak and steep for about 5 minutes. Drink it slowly. Honey can be added to enhance flavor. As a tea for hydration, Verbena tea is an adjuvant in keeping water in the human tissues. Tea for Hydration: Side Effects Rarely, teas for hydration may induce diarrhea. In these cases, cease consumption and ask for your doctor’s advice. Teas for hydration are a good choice when the body needs extra hydration and also when the person is on a diet, goes outside on a hot weather or practices sports.... tea for hydration

Ventilation, Artificial

The procedure, usually carried out in an operating theatre or intensive-care unit, in which a device called a VENTILATOR takes over a person’s breathing. This is done for someone who is unable to breathe normally. Damage to the respiratory centre of the brain as a result of head injury, disease of the brain, or an overdose of sedative or narcotic drugs may affect the respiratory centre. Chest injuries, disease of the lungs, nerve or muscle disorders or surgery of the chest or abdomen can also affect breathing and require the use of a ventilator to maintain normal breathing. Arti?cial ventilation can also be carried out as an emergency by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. (See also ANAESTHESIA; ARTIFICIAL VENTILATION OF THE LUNGS.)... ventilation, artificial

Artificial Rupture Of Membrane

See amniotomy.... artificial rupture of membrane

Artificial Sweeteners

Synthetic substitutes for sugar that are used by people on slimming diets and by the food industry.

Saccharin and aspartame are often recommended in calorie-controlled diets but are of questionable value because the appetite compensates for the lack of calories from sugar, and other foods are eaten to maintain the calorie intake.

Sorbitol is an artificial sweetener that is useful for diabetics, but it can cause diarrhoea and bloating when consumed in large quantities.... artificial sweeteners

Eye, Artificial

A prosthesis to replace an eye that has been removed.

It is worn for cosmetic reasons.

Some movement of the artificial eye may be achieved by attaching the muscles that normally move the eye to the remaining conjunctival membrane (see conjunctiva) or to a plastic implant in the eye socket.... eye, artificial

Sphincter, Artificial

A surgically created valve or other device used to treat or prevent urinary or faecal incontinence.... sphincter, artificial

Sweeteners, Artificial

See artificial sweeteners.... sweeteners, artificial

Tears, Artificial

Preparations to supplement tear production in disorders that cause dry eye, such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and to relieve irritation.... tears, artificial

Artificial Heart

see ventricular assist device.... artificial heart

Artificial Rupture Of Membranes

(ARM) see amniotomy.... artificial rupture of membranes

Artificial Sphincter

an apparatus designed to replace or support a *sphincter that is either absent or ineffective. See also neosphincter.... artificial sphincter

Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition

(PPN) the delivery of nutrients directly into a peripheral vein (in the arm). Feed solutions must have a low *osmolality (<1200 mOsm/l), and PPN can be given only for a short period (less than four weeks). There is a risk of *phlebitis. See artificial nutrition and hydration; total parenteral nutrition.... peripheral parenteral nutrition

Feeding, Artificial

The administration of nutrients other than by mouth, usually by way of a tube passed through the nose into the stomach or small intestine. If long-term artificial feeding is anticipated, a tube is inserted directly into the stomach or upper small intestine using endoscopic surgery. If the gastrointestinal tract is not functioning, nutrients must be introduced into the bloodstream. This type of feeding is known as parenteral nutrition.

Tube feeding may be necessary for people who have gastrointestinal disorders (for example, conditions resulting in malabsorption) or disorders affecting the nervous system or kidneys. Premature babies often require tube feeding if their sucking reflexes are undeveloped, as do critically ill patients due to their increased nutritional requirements. Intravenous feeding is usually given when large areas of the small intestine have been damaged by disease or have been surgically removed.... feeding, artificial

Heart, Artificial

An implantable mechanical device that takes over the action of the heart or assists the heart in maintaining the circulation. There are 3 main types of artificial heart.

An intra-aortic balloon pump, comprising a balloon in the aorta that inflates with each heartbeat, increases the volume of blood entering the circulation. A left ventricular assist device takes blood from the left ventricle and pumps it electrically into the abdominal aorta. There are also mechanical hearts, which are powered from outside the body, usually by compressed air.

Problems with artificial hearts include the formation of blood clots within the device, and infection.

They are therefore used as a temporary measure until a heart transplant can be performed.... heart, artificial

Total Parenteral Nutrition

(TPN) the delivery of all the essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream through a catheter in a vein. This may be by the peripheral route, via a vein in the upper arm (see PICC line) for short-term use (see peripheral parenteral nutrition), or centrally, into the subclavian vein in the neck (see Hickman catheter), for longer than two weeks. TPN has a risk of complications and should only be used when the gastrointestinal tract is not functioning. *Enteral feeding is always the preferred route. See also artificial nutrition and hydration; nutrition.... total parenteral nutrition



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