Nutrition Interventions for Children with Special Health Care Needs

Chapter 16 - Nutrition Interventions for Respiratory Diseases
aSSeSSmeNT INTeRveNTIoN evaluaTIoN/ouTCome
Young children are growing
adequately and achieving
DRI/RDA levels of vitamin
and mineral intake.
If energy needs remain high past early infancy,
foods should be chosen to provide optimal
energy and nutrients. Suggestions include
yogurt, pudding, cottage cheese, pancakes, hot
cereals, tuna or meat salad, scrambled egg,
cheese, and mashed avocado. High fat foods
such as butter, margarine, mayonnaise, cream
cheese, and cream can be added to other foods
to increase energy content.
Assess intake of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals of young
children.
Homemade milkshakes, fruit slushies, and
instant breakfast products can be used as an
energy-dense snack or bedtime beverage.
Commercial pediatric enteral feeding products
may also be used for this purpose.
Meals and snacks should be offered at regular
times 5-6 times each day in a pleasant, noncoercive
environment.
Tube feedings are sometimes required for
infants with BPD, especially those who continue
to depend on mechanical ventilators. The type
of enteral feeding is usually changed at about 1
year of age. (See Chapter 10). Tube-fed infants
should continue to receive oral stimulation and
to have social interactions at feeding times.
A team approach to feeding problems and
referral for additional assessment and therapy
may be indicated. (See Chapter 8)
Feeding skills: Feeding problems are common in infants with BPD.
Feeding should be assessed by a feeding observation and careful
questioning of caregivers.
186 Nutrition Interventions for Children With Special Health Care Needs
Problems with feeding are
addressed.