Unfolding Case 1.1
Tyrone Green
Tyrone is a 46-year-old national account executive who spends 4 out of 5 weekdays traveling on business. He was recently diagnosed with prediabetes and hypertension, two of the five diagnostic components of metabolic syndrome that increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. He blames his 25-pound weight gain on eating out while traveling. He is taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements because he read they can lower blood pressure.
Unfolding Case 1.2
Consider Tyrone. Although eating seafood is associated with lowering blood pressure, it is not certain that supplemental omega-3 fatty acids provide the same benefit. Is he willing to try seafood twice a week in place of supplements? What are the potential health benefits Tyrone may reap by adopting a healthy eating pattern and increasing his physical activity?
It is always advisable to get nutrients from whole foods rather than supplements, as whole foods provide a combination of nutrients and other beneficial compounds that supplements cannot replicate. Therefore, if Tyrone is willing to try eating seafood twice a week, it may provide him with the health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids, as well as other beneficial nutrients such as protein and minerals.
Adopting a healthy eating pattern and increasing physical activity can bring several health benefits to Tyrone. By following a healthy eating pattern, Tyrone can manage his weight and reduce his risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. He can do this by focusing on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting processed and high-calorie foods.
In addition to following a healthy eating pattern, increasing physical activity can also bring numerous health benefits. Exercise can help manage weight, improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress levels. Tyrone can start by engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming for at least 150 minutes per week. Resistance training, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, can also help build muscle and improve bone health.
Overall, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet can bring numerous health benefits to Tyrone. These benefits include improved cardiovascular health, better weight management, and a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Unfolding Case 1.3
Think of Tyrone. His typical intake while traveling is two sandwiches containing eggs, cheese, and bacon for breakfast; a foot-long assorted deli meat submarine on a white roll with a soft drink and bag of chips for lunch; and a dinner of steak, French fries, and salad. In between meals, he snacks on candy, soft drinks, and granola bars. How would you evaluate Tyrone’s diet quality? Which food groups does he need to eat more of? Less of? What potential health benefits may be experienced by increasing his physical activity?
Based on the details you have provided, Tyrone’s diet quality is poor. His typical meals are high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sugar, and low in essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This type of diet can increase his risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
To improve his diet quality, Tyrone needs to focus on eating a variety of whole foods from different food groups. He needs to eat more whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread, as well as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as nuts and seeds. He should also aim to reduce his intake of processed and high-calorie foods such as deli meats, sugary drinks, candy, and chips.
Increasing physical activity can bring several health benefits to Tyrone. Regular exercise can help him manage his weight, improve his cardiovascular health, and lower his blood pressure. It can also improve his mental health and reduce stress levels. Tyrone can start by engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming for at least 150 minutes per week. Resistance training, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, can also help build muscle and improve bone health.
By improving his diet quality and increasing his physical activity, Tyrone can experience numerous health benefits such as weight management, improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved mental health, and increased energy levels.
Unfolding Case 1.4
Think of Tyrone. He is admitted to the hospital for chest pain. The nurse performs a nutrition screening and determines he is at low nutritional risk because his weight is stable, his appetite is stable, and his BMI is >18.5. Is he at low health risk overall? What criteria will the nurse monitor to identify if a change in his tritional status occurs?
Tyrone being at low nutritional risk based on the nurse’s screening criteria does not necessarily mean he is at low health risk overall. Chest pain is a serious symptom that requires further medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
In terms of nutritional status, the nurse should continue to monitor Tyrone’s weight, appetite, and BMI, as well as other clinical parameters such as laboratory values, fluid balance, and wound healing if applicable. If there is a change in any of these parameters, it may indicate a change in nutritional status and require further assessment and intervention.
Other criteria the nurse may monitor to identify changes in Tyrone’s nutritional status include his food and fluid intake, the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and any changes in his medical status or treatment plan that may affect his nutrient requirements or absorption.
Overall, the nurse should continue to monitor Tyrone’s health status closely and collaborate with the medical team to provide appropriate nutrition care and support as needed.
Unfolding Case 1.5
Recall Tyrone. Although screening did not find him to be at nutritional risk, he and his wife have many questions about how to implement a healthy eating pattern. Do you feel competent to reinforce the written and verbal instructions they’ve been given? How will you assure the patient that he can improve his eating pattern? What benefits may he realize with improved eating and exercise?
Tyrone that can improve his eating pattern by making gradual changes and setting realistic goals. The provider can also emphasize the potential benefits of a healthy eating pattern and regular exercise, such as weight management, improved blood sugar and blood pressure control, reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved mood and energy levels, and better overall health and quality of life.
To support Tyrone and his wife in implementing a healthy eating pattern, the healthcare provider can provide education and resources on healthy food choices, portion sizes, meal planning, and grocery shopping. The provider can also offer referrals to a registered dietitian or nutritionist who can provide more specialized nutrition counseling and support.
Overall, by working with his healthcare provider and making lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy eating pattern and increasing physical activity, Tyrone may realize significant health benefits and improve his overall well-being.
