Paper Details
Nutritional Assessment (graded)
Your home health agency has received an order from a local hospital to evaluate and treat an elderly woman being discharged from their medical surgical unit.
Millie Gardner, an 83-year-old female patient, is being discharged home today to the care of her husband Fred (87 years old) following a 9-day hospitalization for pneumonia, dehydration, and failure to thrive. She has a history of HTN (hypertension), Type II Diabetes, and CVA (cerebral vascular accident) with left-sided weakness. Patient is alert and oriented but does have periods of forgetfulness during the overnight hours. Patient has intermittent incontinence of bowel and bladder and requires assistance with all ADLs (activities of daily living).
Medications:
Lopressor
Lisinopril
Plavix
Metformin
Novolin R per sliding scale *NEW* (unable to control sugars with oral meds only during hospitalization)
Multivitamin
Colace
Zithromax *NEW*
Upon arrival you are greeted by Champ, the couple’s rambunctious miniature Doberman pinscher dog. Millie is in her wheelchair staring blankly out the window, and Fred is busy in the kitchen preparing the couple’s lunch.
Based on the scenario above, please use the general survey process to describe the areas that you would be observing immediately upon entry to the home.
What if any concerns related to Millie’s nutritional status do you have?
What nursing interventions will you include in the plan of care to address these concerns?
What teaching strategies will you use to educate Millie and Fred on the new medications?
