Author Question: The nurse is caring for a thin, elderly client who was diagnosed with cancer and is receiving ... (Read 76 times)

debasdf · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse is caring for a thin, elderly client who was diagnosed with cancer and is receiving aggressive chemotherapy. The client is experiencing acute side effects and has lost 10 pounds in the past week.

The nurse teaches the client to: (Select all that apply) 1. Drink liquid supplements to increase intake of nutrients.
2. Eat more warm foods and avoid cold foods.
3. Keep a food diary and record intake.
4. Eat small frequent meals high in calories.
5. Purchase fast foods and prepared foods.

Question 2

An elderly client with severe burns over more than half of the body has an indwelling catheter. When evaluating the client's intake and output, which of the following should be taken into consideration?

1. The amount of urine output will be greatest in the first 24 hours after the burn injury.
2. The amount of urine will be reduced during the first 8 hours of the burn injury and will then increase as diuresis begins.
3. The amount of urine will be reduced in the first 2448 hours and will then increase.
4. The amount of urine will be elevated due to the amount of intravenous fluids administered during the initial phases of treatment.

AngeliqueG · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

1. Drink liquid supplements to increase intake of nutrients.
3. Keep a food diary and record intake.
4. Eat small frequent meals high in calories.

Rationale:
Nutrition is an essential part of caring for all clients with cancer but takes on even greater importance in the frail elderly who may already have nutritional challenges such as poor dentition, inefficient absorption of nutrients, and mediation side effects. The goal of nutritional teaching is to help the client increase caloric and nutrient intake through the use of liquid supplements, small frequent meals, and a food diary that will help the nurse evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the current plan. The client receiving chemotherapy may tolerate cold foods better than hot foods. Fast foods and prepared foods tend to be high in fat and sodium and are not the best choice because they do not contain adequate healthy nutrients. Instead, involving the family in preparing meals or in enrolling in Meals on Wheels may be better options for easy ways of obtaining meals.

Answer to Question 2

3. The amount of urine will be reduced in the first 24 to 48 hours and will then increase.

Rationale:
The client will have an initial reduction in urinary output. Fluid is reduced in the initial phases as the body manages the insult caused by the injury and fluids are drawn into the interstitial spaces. After the shock period passes, the client will enter a period of diuresis. Diuresis begins between 24 and 36 hours after the burn injury.