Question

A client has been hospitalized with bipolar disorder, manic episode. The nursing care plan includes the diagnosis "Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements." Which of the following meal selections would be best for the client? 1. Banana smoothie, hamburger, French fries 2. Carrot sticks, turkey wrap sandwich, lemonade 3. Chicken and rice, fresh orange slices, iced tea 4. Meat loaf with gravy, mashed potatoes, apple pie, milk

Answer 1

Option 1: Banana smoothie, hamburger, and French fries is the best meal choice for a bipolar disorder patient during a manic episode with imbalanced nutrition, as it is high-calorie and easy to consume. A distended abdomen in an undernourished child suggests kwashiorkor due to protein malnutrition.

Step-by-step explanation:

Best Meal Selection for Bipolar Disorder Patient

For a client hospitalized with bipolar disorder, during a manic episode and with the nursing care plan diagnosis of "Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements", the best meal selection is one that is high-calorie yet easy to eat, given that individuals in a manic state may have less time and patience for eating. The given meal options suggest Option 1: Banana smoothie, hamburger, French fries as the best choice as it is calorie-dense, easy to consume, and likely to be eaten quickly. This option provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat which can be consumed easily without taking too much time or effort.

Nutritional Deficits in Undernutrition Syndromes

If an undernourished child has a distended abdomen, they are more likely to have kwashiorkor than marasmus. The distended abdomen is often due to edema associated with protein malnutrition, which is characteristic of kwashiorkor. This syndrome is typically caused by a diet high in carbohydrates but very low in protein, leading to inadequacies particularly in protein intake which results in hypoalbuminemia and subsequent edema.