The seminars offered in this semester primarily focus on issues in nutrition of the geriatric client and on nutrition education. Nutritional assessment, estimation of basal energy expenditure, enteral nutrition support, and total parenteral nutrition will be covered in detail along with the indications for the various types of nutritional support. The complications associated with therapy will be addressed. The teaching format for the course is based largely on the case study method using appropriate computer software. Each week, patients with primary or secondary nutritional problems are identified from the patient load at Tulane University Hospital and the Medical Center of Louisiana and are presented by the faculty and discussed with the students at the bedside.
Nutritional assessment is stressed.
Students are responsible for two case studies emphasizing the role of nutrition in the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of the patient's condition. The diseases important in the various clinical nutrition subspecialties, such as cystic fibrosis, renal disease, and gastroenterology are covered. The course explores the interrelationships between diet, nutrition, and the pathophysiology of the age-associated diseases. The student is exposed to modern concepts of the nutritional management of these chronic degenerative diseases.