Final answer:
Patients on mechanically altered diets, such as medical foods for enteric administration, must adhere to diets that meet specific nutritional needs and are consumable through alternative means like gastronomy tubes due to chewing or swallowing difficulties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mechanically altered diets are often required for patients who have difficulty chewing or swallowing regular foods. These diets include medical foods that are designed for enteric administration, which means the food bypasses the stomach and is broken down in the intestines. Such diets are essential for patients with specific nutritional needs due to certain medical conditions or for those who are comatose and unable to eat by mouth, necessitating the use of a gastronomy tube.
Patients on mechanically altered diets need to follow specific guidelines to ensure that their nutritional requirements are met and that they can safely consume the altered foods. In some cases, the diet may consist of liquid formulas or pureed foods, which are easier to ingest and digest for those with compromised swallowing abilities or gastrointestinal functions.
Preparation for these diets might include using equipments like tubing and materials like simulated chyme (cooked oatmeal/rice) and coloring material for educational demonstrations. These tools help explain the process of enteric administration and the importance of proper consistency and nutritional content in medical foods.