A frail older resident of a long-term care facility is admitted for an acute health problem. Which symptom should suggest to the nurse that a vitamin deficiency exists?

Question

a. Excessive thirst
b. Muscle pain and weakness
c. Frequent headaches behind the eyes
d. Confusion when awakened in the night

Answer 1

b. Muscle pain and weakness

The frail older person who has been in a long-term care setting for many years is at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is synthesized during sun exposure or from adequate intake of fortified foods. People who are frail and older frequently do not have adequate food intake and do not spend much time outdoors. Signs of vitamin D deficiency are muscle pain and weakness, which may further compound the frailty. Headaches and thirst are not associated with vitamin deficiencies. Older people who are not in a familiar setting may experience some confusion when awakened during the night, but it is not a sign of vitamin deficiency.