What Should the Nurse Do?
Mr. Curtis is a 47-year-old patient admitted to the hospital with increased weakness, fatigue, and dehydration. His skin appears dry, and tenting occurs when skin turgor is evaluated. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for multiple myeloma and has experienced weight loss of ten pounds within the last two weeks. He describes that “nothing tastes good,” and he feels as if there is “a metal taste in his mouth.” When he does eat small meals, he reports that he is often nauseous. The patient’s serum protein level is 3.1 g/dL.
1
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What assessment cues should the nurse recognize?
2
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Based on the assessment information that has been gathered, what are some nursing interventions that can be created for Mr. Curtis?
Mr. Jones is a 67-year-old patient on the medical-surgical floor who recently underwent a bowel resection. He is post-op Day 2 and has been NPO since surgery. He has been receiving intravenous fluids but has been asking about when he can resume eating.
3
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What assessments should be performed to determine if the patient’s diet can be progressed?
4
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What are the first steps during dietary transition from NPO status?
Mrs. Casey is a 78-year-old widow who recently had a stroke and continues to experience mild right-sided weakness. She is currently receiving physical therapy in a long-term care facility and ambulates with the assistance of a walker. Mrs. Casey confides, “I am looking forward to going home, but I will miss the three meals a day here.” Her height is 5′2″ and she weighs 84 pounds. Her recent lab work results include the following: hgb 8.8 g/dL; WBC 3,500; magnesium 1.4 mg/dL; albumin 10 g/dL.
5
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What is Mrs. Casey’s BMI, and what does this number indicate?
6
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Analyze Mrs. Casey’s recent lab work, and interpret the findings.
7
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Describe focused assessments the nurse should perform regarding Mrs. Casey’s nutritional status.