Even though a nursing assistant notices that an older patient's oral intake has been poor since being admitted to the care area, the assistant is not concerned since "older people don't need to eat much anyway."
How should the nurse respond to this assistant's comment? A) "That's a myth actually; older adults have increased caloric and nutritional needs.".
B) "Actually, older adults who are sick require more calories than younger people do during their recovery.".
C) "You're right, but it's still important that we provide vitamin supplements especially when a patient is recovering from an illness.".
D) "Even though it is true that older people don't need quite as many calories as younger people, they need as many nutrients as you or I.".
D
Feedback:
While caloric need does decrease with age, nutrient requirements are relatively consistent across the life span. Older adults do not have increased caloric and nutritional needs. Older adults who are sick do not necessarily require more calories since the basal metabolic rate declines 2% for each decade of life. Vitamin and mineral supplements for older adults are undetermined.
You might also like to view...
A nurse who follows through with a patient's request to keep her as pain-free as possible until her time of death is practicing which ethical principle?
a. justice c. fidelity b. veracity d. autonomy
Which factor increases the risk of cancer?
a. Tobacco use b. Pregnancy c. A healthy diet d. Multivitamin use
In the course of an assessment interview, a female client reveals a history of bisexual orientation. Which action should the nurse initially implement when working with this client?
A. Self-assess personal attitudes toward homosexuality B. Review client's possible childhood sexual abuse history C. Encourage discussion of aversion to heterosexual relationships D. Explore client's family history of homosexuality
A woman at 10 weeks' gestation is diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic disease (hydatidiform mole). Which of the following findings would the nurse expect to see?
a. Platelet count of 550,000/mm3 b. Dark brown vaginal bleeding c. White blood cell count 17,000/mm3 d. Macular papular rash