Nurse Sarah is responsible for the care of Mr. Anderson, an 82-year-old patient admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia. Mr. Anderson has several comorbidities, including hypertension and diabetes. As part of her nursing role, Sarah must perform a comprehensive nutritional assessment and develop a tailored nutritional care plan to support his recovery. This case highlights the importance of addressing the unique nutritional needs and challenges of geriatric patients.

Scenario: Mr. Anderson's admission reveals that he has unintentionally lost weight over the past few months and reports a diminished appetite. As Nurse Sarah takes on his care, she undertakes the following steps in addressing Mr. Anderson's nutritional needs:

Nutritional Assessment: Nurse Sarah conducts a thorough nutritional assessment, which includes collecting data on Mr. Anderson's weight history, dietary habits, and any recent changes in appetite or taste. She also evaluates his functional status, including any difficulties with chewing or swallowing.

Dietary Preferences and Restrictions: Nurse Sarah discusses Mr. Anderson's dietary preferences and any restrictions related to his comorbid conditions. She needs to ensure that the dietary plan aligns with his individual needs and personal choices.

Energy and Protein Requirements: Considering Mr. Anderson's age, medical conditions, and recent weight loss, Nurse Sarah calculates his energy and protein requirements. She aims to provide adequate calories and protein to support his recovery and prevent further muscle loss.

Meal Planning: Nurse Sarah develops a meal plan that accounts for Mr. Anderson's dietary restrictions and preferences. She focuses on offering nutrient-dense foods that are easy to chew and swallow while accommodating his medical conditions.

Hydration: Given the risk of dehydration in elderly patients, Nurse Sarah monitors Mr. Anderson's fluid intake and ensures he receives adequate hydration. She educates him about the importance of staying well-hydrated.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Nurse Sarah closely monitors Mr. Anderson's nutritional intake and evaluates his progress. She looks for signs of improved appetite, weight stabilization, and any nutritional deficiencies that may need correction.

Discussion Questions:

What specific nutritional assessments should Nurse Sarah perform to evaluate Mr. Anderson's nutritional status comprehensively? How can she address the challenges of assessing dietary habits in geriatric patients?