Nutritional Assessment Of 82-Year-Old Female, Thin And Frail

Question

Nutritional Assessment 82 y/o female, thin and frail, adm s/p Conduct a nutritional assessment for an 82-year-old female patient who is thin and frail. The patient was admitted following a syncope episode. EMS reports the following vital signs: blood pressure of 110/50 and pulse of 120. The patient has multiple abrasions and Stage I pressure ulcers on the hip flexor, left elbow, and left side of the head. Upon arousal, she is not alert and oriented; her language is unintelligible, and she exhibits left-side flaccidity. At the hospital, she was diagnosed with a mild right cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and left-side hemiparesis. She follows verbal commands but continues with garbled speech. Gastrointestinal assessment shows bowel sounds present in all quadrants, no distension, and no gastrointestinal issues, although she has not had a bowel movement in three days. Her height is 5 feet 3 inches, and she was admitted weighing 120 pounds, with a usual body weight of 140 pounds. The patient typically consumes 1-2 meals per day, which may consist of one can of Ensure or canned soup. She lives alone, with neighbors checking in on her 1-2 times daily. The patient's past medical history includes four transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) over the last four years, osteoporosis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and a history of coronary artery disease (CAD). Laboratory results indicate her cholesterol is at 250 mg/dL and albumin is at 3.1 g/dL. Her medications include Plavix and Fosamax.

Dr. Jack HW Helper · Accepted Answer

The nutritional assessment of an elderly patient is critical for tailoring dietary interventions that support recovery and enhance overall health. This case involves an 82-year-old female who presents several challenges, including frailty, neurological impairment, and inadequate nutrition intake. To develop a comprehensive nutritional plan, we must assess her dietary patterns, medical history, and current health status. Patient Profile Overview The patient is thin and frail, with a history of syncope and a mild right CVA that has led to left-side hemiparesis. Her vital signs upon admission indicate potential cardiovascular strain, evidenced by a low blood pressure of 110/50 and elevated pulse rate at 120 beats per minute, which could imply dehydration or other underlying issues. The patient's weight history is concerning; she currently weighs 120 pounds, down from her usual body weight of 140 pounds. This 20-pound loss could be attributed to her declining health status and inadequate food intake, as indicated by her dietary habits of consuming only 1-2 meals per day. Dietary Evaluation The limited dietary intake raises important questions about her nutritional adequacy. The fact that her meals primarily consist of one can of Ensure or canned soup suggests insufficient energy and nutrient consumption. Ensuring adequate caloric and protein intake is crucial for her recovery and prevention of further weight loss, particularly given her frail condition and the presence of pressure ulcers. Given her swallowing difficulties (as indicated by unintelligible speech), it may be necessary to modify her food textures and ensure that the food is soft and easy to swallow. Incorporating nutrient-rich and energy-dense foods, while addressing her texture and consistency preferences, will help optimize her nutritional intake. Nutrition Goals The primary nutritional goals for this patient include: Increase caloric intake to prevent further weight loss, targeting at least 1,800 to 2,00

Nutritional Assessment Of 82-Year-Old Female, Thin And Frail ✓ Solved

Nutritional Assessment 82 y/o female, thin and frail, adm s/p

Paper For Above Instructions

Patient Profile Overview

Dietary Evaluation

Nutrition Goals

Nutritional Interventions

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Conclusion

References