CHAPTER 5 Nutrition and Aging

CHAPTER 5 Nutrition and Aging

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

5.1•A nurse is discussing proper nutrition with clients at a senior citizen center. General guidelines for healthy elderly clients should include

1. increased amount of protein foods in the diet.
2. taking a geriatric vitamin or mineral supplement daily.
3. daily including at least 8 cups of fluids (excluding caffeinated and alcoholic beverages).
4. eliminating fat from the diet because of a decrease in physical activity.

Answer: 3

Rationale: Older persons are at risk for dehydration, and minimal daily needs are 1,500 ml or 8 cups of fluids. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages have a diuretic effect and should not be included in the fluid intake. Current recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for protein is 0.8 gm/kg body weight, the same for adult and older persons, so there is no recommended increase in protein intake. The best way to get vitamins and minerals is through a balanced diet, but a regular multivitamin is acceptable for elders who do not always eat healthy. Essential fatty acids are essential for life. The source of caloric intake from fat should be 30% or less.

Implementation

Physiological Integrity

Application

5.2•A client who is taking prescribed medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including omeprazole (Prilosec), is at risk for altered absorption of which of these nutrients?

1. calcium and vitamin D
2. vitamin B₁₂ and vitamin D
3. potassium and iron
4. iron and vitamin B₁₂

Answer: 4

Rationale: Omeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor medication prescribed to decrease the acidity in the stomach, especially in clients with GERD. Both iron and vitamin B₁₂ require an acidic environment to be adequately absorbed. Absorption of calcium, vitamin D, and potassium are not affected by the alkalinity of the stomach pH.

Diagnosis

Physiological Integrity

Analysis

5.3•Healthy adults often experience decreased strength and endurance in performing activities as they age. This can be attributed to

1. an increase in cholecystokinin production.
2. a decrease in lean muscle mass.
3. lowered absorption of vitamin D.

Answer: 2

Rationale: Lean muscle mass diminishes with aging. The resultant loss of type II muscle fibers causes a decrease in function, including muscle strength and endurance. An increase in production of cholecystokinin occurs with aging, resulting in early satiety. Diminished vitamin D absorption, a normal occurrence of aging, leads to bone loss. Depression is not a normal part of the aging process.

Diagnosis

Physiological Integrity

Analysis

5.4•A nurse is in the process of discharging an older client with an open abdominal wound requiring dressing changes. The nurse has instructed the client about the importance of maintaining adequate hydration. Which statement by the client shows the need for further instruction?

1. “I can add an extra cup of decaffeinated coffee with breakfast and dinner.”
2. “I’ll drink water and nonsugared beverages whenever I feel thirsty.”
3. “I will set up a schedule to drink a glass of water every 2 hours throughout the day.”
4. “If I drink a lot of fluids, I’ll have to go to the bathroom more often, but I’ll get more exercise.”

Answer: 2

Rationale: The client needs additional instructions regarding adequate fluid intake. Because the thirst mechanism becomes blunted with age, the client cannot rely on feeling thirsty as a signal to meet hydration requirements. Use of a schedule to maintain adequate fluid intake is preferred because it provides the client with a continuous stimulus to take fluids. Decaffeinated fluids are allowed and will not lead to diuresis. The client can expect to urinate more often with the increased fluid intake.

Evaluation

Physiological Integrity

Analysis