1. The client/caregiver can state the benefits of a high-protein diet.
   1. Essential to the growth and maintenance of body tissues
   2. Essential in maintenance of water balance
   3. Essential in the formation of antibodies to resist disease
   4. Essential in formation of body secretions, such as hormones, enzymes, and milk
   5. Source of energy if intake of carbohydrates and fat is deficient
2. The client/caregiver can list conditions requiring increased protein.
   1. Rapid growth periods
   2. Pregnancy
   3. Lactation
   4. Convalescence
   5. Fever and infections
   6. Pressure ulcers and wounds
   7. Severe stress
   8. Burns
   9. Diseases such as cancer, AIDS, hyperthyroidism, malabsorption syndrome, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and renal failure
3. The client/caregiver can list foods high in protein.
   1. Meat
   2. Milk
   3. Cheese
   4. Eggs
   5. Fish
   6. Nuts
   7. Peanut butter
   8. Legumes (dried peas and beans)
   9. Fish
4. The client/caregiver can list measures to increase protein in the diet.
   1. Add nonfat dry milk to regular milk.
   2. Add milk powder to hot or cold cereals, scrambled eggs, soups, gravies, ground meats, and casseroles.
   3. Use milk or half-and-half instead of water.
   4. Add diced or ground meat to soups and casseroles.
   5. Add grated cheese to sauces, vegetables, soups, and casseroles.
   6. Make desserts with eggs, such as sponge cake, egg custard, bread, or rice pudding.
   7. Drink instant breakfast products.
   8. Drink milkshakes with powdered eggs or egg substitutes.
5. The client/caregiver can list signs and symptoms of protein deficiency.
   1. Weight loss
   2. Decreased resistance to disease
   3. Impaired healing of wounds
   4. Weakness and fatigue
   5. Dry, brittle hair
   6. Mental depression

Resources

My Pyramid—United States Department of Agriculture
www.mypyramid.gov

References

Lutz, C., & Przytulski, K. (2001). Nutrition and diet therapy. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Company.
Lutz, C., & Przytulski, K. (2004). Nutri notes: Nutrition &diet therapy pocket guide. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Company.
Nutrition made incredibly easy. (2003). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Perry, A., & Potter, P. (2006). Clinical nursing skills & technique. St. Louis: Mosby Inc.
Taylor, C., Lillis, C., & LeMone, P. (2005). Fundamentals of nursing . Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. C. (2003). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.