A nurse is teaching a group of healthy older adult clients about dietary needs. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"Older adults should decrease their vitamin D intake."
"Older adults should decrease their calorie intake."
"Older adults should decrease their protein intake."
"Older adults should decrease their fiber intake."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice B reason: Older adults should decrease their calorie intake as their metabolic rate and physical activity tend to decline with age. Excess calories can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. Older adults should aim for a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs without exceeding their energy requirements.
Choice A reason: Older adults should not decrease their vitamin D intake, as vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune function. Older adults are at risk of vitamin D deficiency due to reduced sun exposure, decreased skin synthesis, and impaired absorption. Vitamin D deficiency can cause osteoporosis, fractures, muscle weakness, and infections. Older adults should consume adequate amounts of vitamin D from fortified foods, supplements, or sun exposure.
Choice C reason: Older adults should not decrease their protein intake, as protein is important for maintaining muscle mass, strength, and function. Older adults are prone to sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass and quality due to aging. Sarcopenia can impair mobility, balance, and independence. Older adults should consume enough protein from animal or plant sources to prevent or delay sarcopenia.
Choice D reason: Older adults should not decrease their fiber intake, as fiber is beneficial for digestive health and blood glucose control. Older adults often suffer from constipation, diverticular disease, and diabetes, which can be alleviated by increasing fiber intake. Fiber can also lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers. Older adults should consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A low-protein diet is essential for clients who have PKU, as they cannot metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. High levels of phenylalanine can cause intellectual disability and other neurological problems. A low-protein diet should be started before pregnancy and maintained throughout pregnancy to prevent fetal harm.
Choice B reason: Serum bilirubin is not related to PKU. It is a product of red blood cell breakdown and is elevated in conditions such as jaundice, liver disease, or hemolytic anemia. It does not need to be monitored routinely in clients who have PKU.
Choice C reason: Diet sodas are not recommended for clients who have PKU, as they often contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. Diet sodas should be avoided completely or consumed very sparingly by clients who have PKU.
Choice D reason: Breastfeeding will not prevent the baby from developing PKU, as PKU is a genetic disorder that is inherited from both parents. If both parents have PKU, the baby will have a 100% chance of having PKU. If one parent has PKU and the other is a carrier, the baby will have a 50% chance of having PKU. If one parent has PKU and the other is not a carrier, the baby will not have PKU but will be a carrier. Breastfeeding may provide some benefits for the baby, such as immunity and bonding, but it will not affect the baby's PKU status.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Changing the feeding to a continuous infusion may not improve the constipation, as it does not address the fluid deficit or the fiber content of the formula. Continuous infusion may also increase the risk of aspiration, diarrhea, and bacterial contamination¹.
Choice B reason: Increasing the amount of free water can help prevent or treat constipation by hydrating the stool and facilitating its passage. The client's fluid intake and output indicate a fluid deficit, which can contribute to constipation. The recommended fluid intake for adults is 30 to 35 mL/kg/day².
Choice C reason: Decreasing the infusion rate of feeding may worsen the constipation, as it reduces the caloric and fluid intake of the client. The infusion rate should be based on the client's nutritional needs and tolerance¹.
Choice D reason: Requesting a prescription for a diuretic is not appropriate, as it would further dehydrate the client and aggravate the constipation. Diuretics are indicated for clients with fluid overload, not fluid deficit³.
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