Nutritional Principles in Nursing

Discussion 1 Brittany D

Discussing dietary concerns with an older adult can be a challenge at times because their taste buds decline, and they may have dentures that are not put it place properly. According to the passage, "The middle adult years hold the key to health in this stage of life and beyond. Those who establish positive health habits as young adults enter their middle years with a minimum of chronic disease. For those who made poor diet and lifestyle choices, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer are a health risk" (Gilbert & Schlenker, 2019). I look at the older adults that I take care of and having them get their meals in is very difficult. A few concerns/barriers I see are the dentures are not securely in place, they have missing teeth, they do not like the taste of the food (it is bland), and they have a hard time getting to the grocery store. Also, if they are living alone, they do not have the proper help to make a full meal if they have any chronic diseases that may impact their daily activities of living. Throughout the years technology has made some changes where you can now order your groceries and have them be delivered to your house. The concern with that is what an older adult might be ordering online may not be the proper nutrients they need. As nurse is it important to teach the patient to consume their proper nutrients and as well as beverages. According to the passage, "Based on a recent health model, it has been estimated that 45% of deaths from heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are related to dietary characteristics, including high sodium, low nuts/seeds, highly processed meats, low seafood omega-3 fats, low vegetables, low fruits, and high sugar-sweetened beverages. This would reinforce the need for dietary education and intervention among medical patients" (Glibert & Schlenker, 2019). Another teaching method can be writing out a meal plan for the patient. Get to know what they like or dislike and give them better alternatives that will make it easier for them to use. Also talking with family members and making sure they are involved to help plan their meals as well. 

Kingsley O Discussion 2

Dietary Concerns 

Older adults' health may be maintained by paying close attention to their food and weight. An aged person's nutritional health is significant since it has a role in lowering their chances of getting cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia. Rapid weight loss, vitamin deficiencies, and lack of appetite are frequent indications of malnutrition in the elderly. Educating older folks to assess their nutritional status frequently is vital since malnutrition is commonly underdiagnosed in those over 65, making it more difficult for physicians to cure (Thorpe et al., 2019). Every senior person experiences a considerably more significant hunger threat than young ones.

Many variables impact how humans eat as they become older. Seniors who have problems eating may have a range of undesirable results, including severe weight loss, aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration. In addition, due to age-related changes in body mass and composition, the elderly may suffer a steady drop in their body mass index (BMI), height, and overall size (Groenendijk et al., 2019). This is more likely to occur beyond the age of 60. For instance, cardiovascular and neurological illnesses are more frequent in the elderly, which might lessen the energy required by the body's muscles.

Nursing Interventions

As part of the intervention to prevent nutritional deficits, the nurse checks that the patient is swallowing correctly, positioning the patient's head forward 45 degrees, for example, will open the esophagus and close the trachea, minimizing aspiration. This process may be taught to the patient so that they can swallow without assistance in the future. Another teaching and action for preventing nutritional deficits are to promote the benefits of a healthy smoothie like Boost or Ensure. The nutrients in the shakes may assist the user in getting the nourishment they need to be healthy. The nurse may also examine the patient's diet with the doctor and advise any required vitamin or mineral supplements, as well as explore the potential of exchanging the patient's present drugs for ones with less adverse effects.

Nutrition and Hydration Effects

One of the consequences of inadequate nutrition among the elderly is the loss of bone and muscle mass due to starvation, weakening the person and increasing the probability of damage. Therefore, hydration is essential, especially for aging people (Groenendijk et al., 2019). Furthermore, dehydration can lead to the elderly being prone to dizziness, low blood pressure, and even falls.