Kent State Interns

Utilization of Nutrition-Focused Physical Assessment in Identifying Micronutrient Deficiencies Nutrition-focused physical assessments (NFPA) are an examination used in recognizing malnutrition. Malnutrition is such a crucial component to identify because it is related to increased morbidity and mortality prior to or during hospitalization if not recognized. There are many evaluations that are used to help identify a patient’s risk for malnutrition but unfortunately, certain evaluations contain biochemical markers that are not reliable markers of nutrition such as serum albumin and prealbumin. Therefore, it was important to incorporate an assessment that is able to show changes in body composition such as muscle wasting, subcutaneous fat loss, and fluid accumulation, which are a part of the six malnutrition characteristics. NFPA’s identify macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies by a head-to-toe assessment that evaluates each body system. Some of the regions of the body t...

Propionic academia (PA) is a autoressesive inborn error of metabolism disease, and has been reported among those of Amish ancestry. PA occurs within the first few days or weeks of life and presents with lethargy, poor feeding, vomiting, and metabolic decomposition. Caused by mutations in the propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC) gene , a mitochondrial biotin dependent enzyme leading to catabolism of valine, isoleucine, methionine, threonine, cholesterol, and odd chain fatty acids.   A block in propionyl pathway causing accumulation of organic acids in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine. Neonates experience neurological deterioration, feeding refusal, vomiting, weight loss, hypotonia, abnormal posturing/movements, lethargy, seizures, coma, severe brain damage, or death within days. Late manifest results in Immune and bone morrow suppression, recurrent infections, neurological sequlae, mental retardation. Nutritional implications include: metabolic crisis, feeding changes...