Malabsorption occurs when the digestive system is unable to absorb one or more nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Interruptions anywhere along the digestive tract can cause decreased absorption. Diseases of the small intestine are a common cause of malabsorption. Diagnostic tests include stool studies, lactose tolerance tests, D-xylose absorption tests, Schilling tests, and hydrogen breath tests to evaluate specific nutrient absorption. Biopsies of the small intestine can identify damage, infections, or tumors. Treatment focuses on supplementing lost nutrients and managing any underlying diseases through diet, medication, surgery, or antibiotics. Nurses educate patients and monitor for fluid and electrolyte imbalances, assessing

1. Malabsorption
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2. Malabsorption
• Malabsorption is the inability of the
digestive system to absorb one or
more of the major vitamins
(especially A and B12), minerals (ie,
iron and calcium), and nutrients (ie,
carbohydrates, fats, and proteins).
• Interruptions in the complex
digestive process may occur
anywhere in the digestive system
and cause decreased absorption.
Diseases of the small intestine are
the most common cause of
malabsorption.
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3. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
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4. Assessment
and
Diagnostic
Findings
• stool studies for quantitative and qualitative fat analysis,
• lactose tolerance tests,
• D-xylose absorption tests,and Schilling tests.
• The hydrogen breath test that is used to evaluate
carbohydrate absorption is performed if carbohydrate
malabsorption is suspected.
• Endoscopywith biopsy of the mucosais the best diagnostic
tool.
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5. • Biopsy of the small intestine is performed to assay enzyme activity or
to identify infection or destruction of mucosa.
• Ultrasound studies, CT scans, and x-ray findings can reveal pancreatic
or intestinal tumors that may be the cause.
• A complete blood cell count is used to detect anemia. Pancreatic
function tests can assist in the diagnosis of specific disorders.
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6. Medical Management
• Intervention is aimed at avoiding dietary substances that aggravate
malabsorption and at supplementing nutrients that have been lost.
• Common supplements are water-soluble vitamins (eg, B12, folic acid), fat-
soluble vitamins (ie, A, D, and K), and minerals (eg, calcium, iron).
• Primary disease states may be managed surgically or nonsurgically.
• Dietary therapy is aimed at reducing gluten intake in patients with celiac sprue.
Folic acid supplements are prescribed for patients with tropical sprue.
• Antibiotics (eg, tetracycline [Tetracyn], ampicillin [Polycillin]) are sometimes
needed in the treatment of tropical sprue and bacterial overgrowth syndromes.
• Antidiarrheal agents may be used to decrease intestinal spasms. Parenteral
fluids may be necessary to treat dehydration.
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7. Nursing
Management
• The nurse provides patient and family
education regarding diet and the use of
nutritional supplements .
• It is important to monitor patients with
diarrhea for fluid and electrolyte
imbalances.
• The nurse conducts ongoing assessments
to determine whether the clinical
manifestations related to the nutritional
deficits have abated.
• Patient education includes information
about the risk of osteoporosis related to
malabsorption of calcium.
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8. THANK YOU
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