Nurse R is caring for a patient in the intensive care unit who was admitted following a motor vehicle accident with cuts, abrasions, and several broken bones
The client is on a regular diet, but she is concerned that there may not be adequate calories because of a lack of appetite. This is a concern because inadequate calories could: 1. Result in the loss of lean body mass, which is associated with increased complications, infection, and poor wound healing.
2. Cause fatigue, which would limit the client's ability to attend physical therapy.
3. Contribute to anemia and result in hypoxia in the damaged cells.
4. Result in hypoglycemia leading to polyuria, polydypsia, and polyphagia.
1
Rationale: During times of physiologic stress, including recovering from physical trauma, the demand for glucose increases significantly resulting in the need for increased energy. Lack of oral intake could result in catabolism of fats and proteins. Loss of even 10% of lean body mass can contribute to poor health outcomes and increased morbidity. Fatigue, hypoglycemia, and anemia may be present following trauma, but may be the result of causes other than malnutrition.
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