Help? I have a 80 year old client that has been admitted what are some of the risk

rachelgeorgina · Feb 2, 2010

That's a very broad question. You might need to provide more information. Every eighty-year-old is different and therefore will be exposed to different risks. For example - what is their medical condition? Do they have a respiratory condition that creates shortness of breath and is exacerbated by activity (i.e. eating) therefore the patient cannot eat a lot = nutritional deficiency. Are they nauseated and vomiting? Confused/delirious/demented? Do they have a malabsorption syndrome?

Then there's other considerations - are they mobile? Can they reach their tray when it's delivered? Can they feed themselves or do they need feeding? Do they LIKE the food they're getting? Are they receiving the right foods e.g. diabetic diet, light diet, puree or mashed consistency? Do you need a dietetic or speech path review?

Do they have an NG, a PEG, TPN? Are these being managed correctly? Do they NEED artificial feeding assistance? Has this been discussed/considered/reviewed?

Are they a surgical patient or going for a procedure that requires fasting? Is this being managed appropriately (e.g. IV therapy)?

allnurses Guide · Feb 2, 2010

Help? I have a 80 year old client that has been admitted what are some of the risk factors that could adversly affect nutritional status?:)

Do you have any textbooks to study, Dr. Tom? I suggest you search the many excellent databases and sites that address the question you are asking about. This really isn't a homework help site. Your question is too broad anyway. Best Wishes!