The nurse is finishing an admission assessment for Mrs. M who was admitted during a previous shift

Question

While doing the medical psychosocial history, the following facts come to light: Two years ago, she was treated for a major depressive episode; she practices Islam; she lives in the area of town where there are many Muslim people; and she comes from a wealthy family. Her hair is visibly dry and dull, and she mentions that her hand grip has gotten weaker over the last few months. Because of the findings during this assessment, the nurse decides to refer her to the dietitian for a nutrition assessment. What in the medical psychosocial assessment might lead to a nutritional deficiency? A) The culture she lives in
B) It is Ramadan, and Mrs. M practices Islam.
C) Her hair is dry and dull.
D) She has had a major depressive episode.

Answer 1

D
Feedback:
A client's medical–psychosocial history may shed light on factors that influence intake, nutritional requirements, or nutrition counseling. Some of these factors include depression, eating disorders, language barriers, and impaired intake related to culture. Even though it is Ramadan and Mrs. M fasts until sunset, living in a Muslim culture does not mean that she is malnourished. The fact that her hair is dry and dull is only one sign or symptom of malnutrition, and it is not part of the medical psychosocial admission assessment nutritional screening.