What percent of her usual body weight did she lose? What is her current %UBW?  What is her risk of Malnutrition? (Show your work)

Nutrition by Geoffrey

Clinical Application 1 – Improving Food Intake in an Elderly Woman

 

Ms. Taylor is a 94-year-old resident at Southern Pine Nursing Center who is being admitted to the local hospital for dehydration and weight loss of 15 pounds in the past 4 weeks. Her medical history includes mild dementia, a stroke 5 years ago that left her with limited ability to feed herself. Her anthropometric measurements include: Height 5 feet 4 inches, Current weight 100 pounds.

Ms. Taylor’s usual appetite is good. She is on a mechanical soft diet due to swallowing difficulties as a result of her stroke. Up until 1 month ago she was eating well and maintaining her weight.  Prior to hospital admission her appetite had declined significantly and fluid intake decreased dramatically.

At the hospital IV Fluids were started to help correct her dehydration (which was confirmed via lab work). Her lab work also indicates her Albumin level is low (3.2 g/dL). An inpatient dietitian is assigned to Ms. Taylor to help increase her Calorie and protein intakes in addition to her overall food intake and you are the nurse caring for her.

 

  1. What is Ms. Taylor’s BMI? (Show your work) What is her BMI Classification? (2 Points)

 

 

  1. What percent of her usual body weight did she lose? What is her current %UBW?  What is her risk of Malnutrition? (Show your work) (2 Points)

 

 

  1. Why is Ms. Taylor at risk of malnutrition? Discuss factors that increase her risk. (2 Points)

 

 

  1. Discuss how the nurse can assist Ms. Taylor at mealtimes. (3 Points)

 

 

  1. What diet interventions or suggestions can be implemented to help increase Ms. Taylor’s oral delivery of Calories and protein? (4 Points)

 

 

  1. If diet and supplement interventions are not successful, what interventions may need to be considered to improve her nutrition status? (2 Points)