Introduction
Nutrition is the cornerstone of health and healing. Nurses play a vital role in assessing patients’ nutritional status, identifying risk factors for dietary disorders, planning interventions, and evaluating outcomes. Nurses must integrate nutritional knowledge with clinical judgment to support optimal outcomes when caring for patients with chronic illness, hospitalized malnutrition, or those on therapeutic diets.
In this discussion, you’ll explore how to assess nutritional needs, identify at-risk clients, and propose evidence-based nursing interventions that promote comfort, health, and healing.
???? Case Scenario: Complex Nutrition Risk
Patient: Ms. Julie Green, a 71-year-old retired schoolteacher
Medical History: Congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis
Social History: Lives alone, limited mobility, relies on frozen meals
Recent Labs and Vitals:
- Hemoglobin: 10.1 g/dL (low)
- Albumin: 2.9 g/dL (low)
- BMI: 18.3 (underweight)
- Weight loss: 12 lbs in the last 2 months
- Reports fatigue, poor appetite, and occasional dizziness
- Assessment: Pale, frail appearance; reports skipping meals and limited grocery access.
???? Discussion Prompt
Choose ONE of the following categories and provide a detailed post:
1. Nutritional Risk and Assessment
- What data would you collect to assess Ms. Green’s nutritional status?
- Based on Dudek Ch. 15, what criteria suggest malnutrition, and how would you classify her risk level?
- What role does the nurse play in screening and early intervention?
2. Interventions to Promote Nutritional Health
- Propose three nursing interventions that address Ms. Green’s nutritional concerns (Taylor Ch. 37, Dudek Ch. 16–17).
- How can these be adapted to her age, mobility limits, and chronic conditions?
- How would you evaluate if your plan was successful?
3. Alterations in Nutrition and Complications
- Which nutritional complications is Ms. Green at risk for, and why?
- How do changes in protein, fluid, or calorie intake affect patients with chronic illness or aging?
- What interdisciplinary referrals (e.g., dietitian, social services) might be needed?
???? Instructions for Participation
- Post your initial discussion by Saturday at 11:59 PM CST.