Author Question: In determining malnourishment in a patient, which assessment finding is consistent with this ... (Read 129 times)

audie · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

In determining malnourishment in a patient, which assessment finding is consistent with this disorder?

a. Moist lips
b. Pink conjunctivae
c. Spoon-shaped nails
d. Not easily plucked hair

Question 2

The patient is an 80-year-old male who is visiting the clinic today for a routine physical examination. The patient's skin turgor is fair, but the patient reports fatigue and weakness.

The skin is warm and dry, pulse rate is 116 beats/min, and urinary sodium level is slightly elevated. Which instruction should the nurse provide?
a. Drink more water to prevent further dehydration.
b. Drink more calorie-dense fluids to increase caloric intake.
c. Drink more milk and dairy products to decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
d. Drink more grapefruit juice to enhance vitamin C intake and medication absorption.

carlsona147 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Spoon-shaped nails, koilonychia, is an indication of poor nutrition. All the others are normal findings. Lips should be moist, conjunctivae should be pink, and hair should not be easily plucked.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Thirst sensation diminishes, leading to inadequate fluid intake or dehydration; the patient should be encouraged to drink more water/fluids. Symptoms of dehydration in older adults include confusion, weakness, hot dry skin, furrowed tongue, and high urinary sodium. Milk continues to be an important food for older woman and men, who need adequate calcium to protect against osteoporosis; the patient's problem is dehydration, not osteoporosis. Caution older adults to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice because these will decrease absorption of many drugs. The patient needs fluids not calories; drinking calorie-dense fluids is unnecessary.