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CSO Exam Prep

Bunch

This podcast provides exam-focused study support for registered dietitians preparing for the CSO Exam (Board Certification as a Specialist in Oncology Nutrition). Each episode reviews a specific chapter from Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice, 2nd Edition (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2021), highlighting high-yield concepts, exam traps, and case-based applications to strengthen clinical decision-making. Source Material: • Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice, 2nd Edition – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Chapter 1). Available from the EatRight Store: https://www.eatrightstore.org/product-type/books/oncology-nutrition-for-clinical-practice-2nd-edition • Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) CSO Exam Content Outline & Resources: https://www.cdrnet.org/board-certification-as-a-specialist-in-oncology-nutrition Disclaimer: This podcast is narrated using AI-generated audio and is intended as an educational study tool to supplement formal CSO exam preparation. It is not a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional protocols, or direct guideline review.

  1. 08/28/2025

    Artificial Hydration at End of Life

    Podcast Description This episode delivers a comprehensive review of artificial hydration (AH) in end-of-life (EOL) oncology care, designed for expert dietitians and nutrition support clinicians. The focus is on maximizing patient comfort and quality of life, highlighting that fluids should not be given to “correct numbers,” but considered only as a therapeutic trial when a specific, patient-valued symptom might plausibly improve. We explore the pathophysiology of fluid shifts—including third-spacing, edema, and worsening dyspnea or secretions—that often make hydration unhelpful, while also outlining scenarios where a time-limited trial of subcutaneous hydration may be appropriate. Practical strategies are provided for comfort-first care, emphasizing meticulous mouth care for xerostomia, clear documentation with predefined stop-rules, and communication approaches that support families. The discussion underscores that at EOL, comfort-directed interventions often provide more relief than routine parenteral fluids. Citation: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice. 2nd ed. Chicago, IL: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Oncology DPG). American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). Nutrition Support Core Curriculum. 3rd ed. Silver Spring, MD: ASPEN.

    38 min

  2. 08/28/2025 • CSO EXAM PREP ONLY

    Cancer Cachexia (IL-6, TNF-a, proteolysis-inducing factor)

    This episode provides an in-depth, mechanistic exploration of cancer cachexia, tracing its pathophysiology from molecular circuitry to clinical expression. We review the roles of inflammatory mediators such as IL-6 and TNF-α, alongside tumor-derived factors including proteolysis-inducing factor (PIF) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), and their downstream effects on muscle catabolism, adipose tissue remodeling, and energy expenditure. The discussion also covers hepatic reprogramming, neuroendocrine appetite dysregulation, and Cori cycle inefficiency, which together drive the profound metabolic imbalance that distinguishes cachexia from simple starvation. Emphasis is placed on why nutrition support alone cannot reverse this syndrome, and how understanding these mechanisms can guide clinicians in using diagnostic markers, functional assessments, and emerging therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes. Citation: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice. 2nd ed. Chicago, IL: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Oncology DPG). American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). Nutrition Support Core Curriculum. 3rd ed. Silver Spring, MD: ASPEN. Fearon K, Strasser F, Anker SD, et al. Definition and classification of cancer cachexia: an international consensus. Lancet Oncol. 2011;12(5):489–495.

    1h 15m

  3. 08/28/2025

    Core Nutrition Support and Oncology-Related Calculations

    This episode introduces the Oncology MNT Calculations Playbook, a comprehensive guide to the mathematical foundations of oncology nutrition support. We cover the full spectrum of essential calculations, beginning with anthropometrics and malnutrition assessment, and advancing through methods for estimating energy and protein needs via indirect calorimetry and predictive equations. The review highlights critical tools such as nitrogen balance and the non-protein calories to nitrogen ratio, while also addressing the nuances of dextrose and lipid delivery rates, enteral and parenteral nutrition compounding, and electrolyte conversions and repletion strategies. We then examine acid–base corrections, fluid requirements, and oncology-specific calculations—including high-output stoma management and tumor lysis syndrome protocols. The episode concludes with a set of high-yield pitfalls and safe-practice guardrails, equipping advanced oncology dietitians with both the formulas and the applied context needed for exam success and clinical excellence. Citation: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice. 2nd ed. Chicago, IL: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Oncology DPG). American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). Nutrition Support Core Curriculum. 3rd ed. Silver Spring, MD: ASPEN.

    1h 4m

  4. 08/28/2025

    Domain 1 Review

    This episode delivers a thorough review of oncology nutrition assessment, emphasizing a multi-dimensional framework for identifying and managing malnutrition in cancer patients. We explore how to integrate anthropometrics, clinical and functional status, dietary patterns, biochemical markers, and patient-reported outcomes into a comprehensive assessment. The episode highlights the ASPEN/Academy malnutrition diagnosis criteria, with special attention to complex syndromes such as cancer cachexia and sarcopenic obesity, where traditional metrics can be misleading. Through applied case scenarios, listeners will practice interpreting weight loss patterns, laboratory data, and functional measures, while learning to navigate common pitfalls. We conclude with high-yield expert pearls to strengthen clinical decision-making and ensure best practices in oncology nutrition. Citation: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice. 2nd ed. Chicago, IL: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Oncology DPG). American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). Nutrition Support Core Curriculum. 3rd ed. Silver Spring, MD: ASPEN.

    1h 5m

  5. 08/28/2025 • CSO EXAM PREP ONLY

    Domain 2 Review

    This episode offers a comprehensive guide to oncology nutrition intervention and implementation, designed for expert registered dietitians and clinical nutrition support specialists. Drawing from established guidelines, we explore decision-making for enteral vs. parenteral nutrition, with attention to timing, indications, and safety. The discussion highlights management of treatment-related toxicities such as mucositis, xerostomia, and diarrhea, alongside evidence-based strategies for the prevention and treatment of refeeding syndrome. We also address food safety practices during neutropenia, unique nutritional considerations in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) patients, and provide practical insights into common pitfalls and high-yield clinical pearls that can elevate oncology nutrition practice. Citation: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice. 2nd ed. Chicago, IL: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Oncology DPG). American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). Nutrition Support Core Curriculum. 3rd ed. Silver Spring, MD: ASPEN.

    51 min

  6. 08/28/2025 • CSO EXAM PREP ONLY

    Domain 2: Chapter 11 - Pediatric Oncology Nutrition

    This episode delivers an expert-level review of pediatric oncology nutrition, synthesizing best practices and guidelines from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice, 2nd ed.) and the **American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN Core Curriculum, 3rd ed.)*. The discussion highlights decision-critical topics including malnutrition assessment, energy and protein targeting, treatment-specific strategies across HSCT, leukemia, and neuro-oncology, central line care, electrolyte and acid–base management, infection control, micronutrient support, and formula and PN design. A detailed day-by-day case study of a 7-year-old male with high-risk ALL undergoing HSCT illustrates the real-world application of these principles—covering management of refeeding syndrome, PN modifications for mucositis, GI GVHD, SOS/VOD, hypertriglyceridemia, and metabolic disturbances, as well as long-term considerations like bone health and survivorship. Emphasis is placed on proactive, individualized nutrition support to optimize outcomes in pediatric oncology. Citation: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice. 2nd ed. Chicago, IL: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; ASPEN. Pediatric Nutrition Support Core Curriculum. 3rd ed. Silver Spring, MD: American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

    53 min

  7. 08/28/2025 • CSO EXAM PREP ONLY

    Domain 2: Chapter 12 - Survivorship Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine

    This episode offers a comprehensive guide to oncology survivorship care, with a focus on nutrition and lifestyle medicine. We explore the four key pillars of survivorship: body composition, cardiometabolic health, organ-system toxicity, and quality of life. The discussion highlights assessment strategies that move beyond weight alone, core nutrition principles such as Mediterranean-style dietary patterns, protein distribution, and fiber targets, and evidence-based physical activity prescriptions. We also address late and long-term effects across major organ systems, with practical, symptom-directed interventions for bone health, GI complications, neuropathy, and fatigue. Listeners will learn safe and effective approaches to supplement use, gain insight into behavior-change strategies, and review structured monitoring protocols that help clinicians translate guidelines into day-to-day survivorship care. The episode concludes with practical case study applications for diverse cancer survivor populations, reinforcing how tailored nutrition and lifestyle interventions can improve long-term outcomes. Citation: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice. 2nd ed. Chicago, IL: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Oncology DPG). American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). Nutrition Support Core Curriculum. 3rd ed. Silver Spring, MD: ASPEN.

    36 min

  8. 08/28/2025 • CSO EXAM PREP ONLY

    Domain 3 Review

    This episode provides a comprehensive overview of oncology nutrition ethics, with a focus on the decision-making frameworks surrounding the withholding or withdrawing of artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH). Centered on a quality-of-life-first approach, the discussion equips expert oncology dietitians and nutrition support clinicians to balance aggressive interventions against patient comfort and dignity, especially in palliative and end-of-life care. Listeners will learn pragmatic strategies for assessing clinical trajectory, prognosis, and patient goals, along with guidance on implementing comfort-directed oral feeding and symptom management as primary interventions. The episode emphasizes that withholding and withdrawing ANH are ethically equivalent acts, and highlights the use of time-limited trials with explicit stop-rules, ensuring that patient-valued outcomes remain the priority over numerical or surrogate targets. Citation: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice. 2nd ed. Chicago, IL: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Oncology DPG). American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). Nutrition Support Core Curriculum. 3rd ed. Silver Spring, MD: ASPEN.

    40 min
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About

This podcast provides exam-focused study support for registered dietitians preparing for the CSO Exam (Board Certification as a Specialist in Oncology Nutrition). Each episode reviews a specific chapter from Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice, 2nd Edition (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2021), highlighting high-yield concepts, exam traps, and case-based applications to strengthen clinical decision-making. Source Material: • Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice, 2nd Edition – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Chapter 1). Available from the EatRight Store: https://www.eatrightstore.org/product-type/books/oncology-nutrition-for-clinical-practice-2nd-edition • Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) CSO Exam Content Outline & Resources: https://www.cdrnet.org/board-certification-as-a-specialist-in-oncology-nutrition Disclaimer: This podcast is narrated using AI-generated audio and is intended as an educational study tool to supplement formal CSO exam preparation. It is not a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional protocols, or direct guideline review.

Information

  • Creator
    Bunch
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    34
  • Provider
    Maren Bunch