Final answer:
Nutrition therapy for individuals with respiratory failure involves ensuring appropriate calorie and protein intake while considering fluid and electrolyte balance, often requiring the expertise of a respiratory therapist.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nutrition therapy for a person with respiratory failure includes measures to ensure adequate energy intake, balance electrolytes, and manage fluid levels while minimizing the stress on the respiratory system. Medical advances in treating conditions like Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) have greatly improved outcomes. For infants, supportive therapies such as temperature regulation and nutritional support are vital. A respiratory therapist plays a key role in the comprehensive care of patients with respiratory conditions, working alongside medical teams to develop treatment plans that often include nutritional strategies.
For those on mechanical ventilation, careful monitoring of calorie intake is important to avoid underfeeding which can lead to weakness and overfeeding which might contribute to increased carbon dioxide production. Special attention to protein requirements is necessary to repair and maintain lung tissue. Since respiratory failure can arise from conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a respiratory therapist must consider appropriate nutritional interventions specific to the individual’s condition.