Chapter 12: Nutrition of Adults: The Early, Middle, and Later Years Flashcards
Discuss the nutritional implications of physiologic changes in adults.
A dietitian teaches a 49-year-old menopausal woman to add specific supplements to her diet. Which supplements does the nurse anticipate to be recommended?
-Calcium
-Vitamin D
An older patient tells the health care provider, “I don’t have much of an appetite lately. I just don’t really like eating food anymore. What’s happening to me?” Which is the best response by the nurse?
“As we age, our sense of taste and smell decrease. This can change appetite and overall pleasure in eating food.”
Which statement describes an expected oral function change in the older adult?
Older adults may be at risk for aspiration related to a decreased ability to swallow.
Which guidance from the nurse is a good way to help the older adult decelerate the metabolic changes of aging?
Maintain regular physical exercise
Which patient would have the largest reduction in metabolism?
A 67-year-old postmenopausal patient
Which change in physiologic function can impact the older adult’s nutrition?
Decrease in hand-eye coordination can make feeding difficult.
The older adult asks the nurse, “My doctor told me I don’t need to eat as many calories now that I’ve reached this age. Why don’t I need to?” What is the correct response by the nurse?
“Your metabolism has slowed down, so you won’t need to eat as many calories now as you did in your younger years.”
An older adult male patient has been taking over-the-counter vitamin supplements. The patient complains that he has been feeling nauseated lately and has “achy joints.” The patient’s diet is reviewed, and he is noted to eat foods with high amounts of vitamins. Which statement describes the likely cause of the patient’s symptoms?
The patient may be experiencing toxicity from excess vitamin intake through diet and supplements.
In addition to using vitamin D and calcium supplements to promote bone health, which modifiable risk factor should be addressed in the older adult?
Excess body fat composition
An older adult patient in a rehabilitation center asks for help in selecting complex carbohydrate food choices from the center’s dietary menu. Which items should be included?
-Oatmeal
-Sweet potatoes
-Whole grain bread
Which macronutrient can the nurse recommend to a patient who is experiencing a decrease in palatability of food and weight loss?
Fats
Which older adult patient is at risk for developing a vitamin D deficiency?
A 59-year-old patient who follows a vegan diet
Which patient is at greatest risk for developing nutritional deficits secondary to economic insecurity?
An older adult male who lives alone with his wife and receives government assistance
During a nutrition in-service, the nurse asks how depression can lead to changes in nutrition in the older adult. Which is the best response by the speaker?
Depression can cause the older adult’s health and appetite to decline.”
Which nutritional findings does the nurse anticipate to see in an older adult with economic insecurities?
-Weight loss
-Decreased appetite
-Inadequate food supply
Which alternative living arrangement would be least appropriate for a patient with specific nutritional needs?
Congregate care arrangements
Which items would be included in the nutritional model of a nursing home?
-Modified diets
-In-house dietitian
-Intense nutritional support
-Assistance with activities of daily living
The daughter of an older adult resident is concerned that the assisted living facility is not right for her father. She states, “He needs to take his medication with his food, or he can get really sick. I don’t know if this is the best place for him.” What is the best response by the assisted living manager?
“We can administer his medications to him during meals.”
The national standards for nutrition needs for older adults are based on which estimated percentage decrease in metabolic activity during the middle and older years?
5%
What is the leading cause of unintentional weight loss in the older adult client?
Depression
What is the advantage of using the mini nutritional assessment (MNA) to assess the nutritional status in older adults in nursing homes?
It evaluates the risk for malnutrition
Which age is forecasted to be the median in the U.S. by 2060?
43
Which physiological change in older adults results in the risk of a nutritional deficiency of vitamin B12?
Decreased hydrochloric acid
Which factor governs the overall physical growth and maturity of the human body?
Genetic potential
The Healthy People Initiative website focuses on which topic?
Quality of life
Which meal program is most appropriate for a physically active older adult who is socioeconomically stable?
Congregate nutrition services
Which dietary change is important for individuals as they age to help address a declining metabolic rate?
The intake of “empty calorie” foods should decrease
Which macronutrient need is higher per kilogram of body weight for adults 65 and up as a result of a decreased metabolic rate and sarcopenia?
Protein
What common condition in older adults interferes with the ability to prepare food?
Decreased hand function
Which food/nutrient can cause an adverse reaction in an older adult client taking an NSAID?
Alcohol
How can a decrease in hypothalamic function adversely affect an older adult client?
Increases the risk for dehydration
For which health issue is the older adult client who experiences a decline in taste and smell acuity at the highest risk?
Food-borne illness
What is the most effective way that a healthcare team can advocate for an older adult who is at risk for malnutrition and eligible for nutritional assistance?
Assist in the application process
Which statement best reflects the physical changes that may lead to a need for vitamin B12 injections?
Vitamin B12 may not be absorbed adequately because of decreased production and secretion of gastric hydrochloric acid
Which description is the pathophysiologic basis for reduced cell metabolism beginning at approximately 30 years of age?
A gradual loss of functioning cells
Which vitamin D dosage meets the requirement for individuals who are older than 70 years?
800 IU/day
Which statement about metabolism and weight management in middle-aged adults is accurate?
There is a need for fewer kilocalories because of a declining metabolic rate
Which substance should be avoided when taking antihypertensive medication?
Grapefruit juice
The national standard for nutrition needs for older adults are based on which estimated percentage decrease in metabolic activity during the middle and older years?
5%
