A client has been admitted with a diagnosis of primary starvation. The nurse explains to the family that this means the client
A) has a possible problem with the GI tract.
B) has not been eating enough calories and other nutrients.
C) is not eating, absorbing, or using micronutrients.
D) is over-excreting specific nutrients.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Primary starvation occurs when adequate nutrition is not delivered to the GI tract because of decreased eating. Secondary starvation is when the GI tract receives enough nutrients, but does not absorb, metabolize, or use them because of a problem with the GI tract itself. Micronutrient malnutrition is what is occurring in option c. Increased excretion of nutrients would be another example of secondary starvation.

A Client Has Been Admitted with a Diagnosis of Primary