Which intervention is recommended for an older adult who is experiencing undernutrition?
The correct answer and explanation is:
For an older adult experiencing undernutrition, the recommended intervention is nutritional counseling and dietary supplementation. The goal of this intervention is to address the nutritional deficiencies, enhance the intake of essential nutrients, and improve overall health status.
Nutritional counseling helps in identifying the root causes of undernutrition. These can include factors like poor appetite, difficulty chewing or swallowing, limited food access, or chronic medical conditions. The counselor may work with the individual to create a balanced, nutrient-rich meal plan that is easy to prepare and consume. A major focus of the dietary plan is to increase the intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals, especially calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health and immune function in older adults.
Dietary supplementation may be necessary to ensure that the individual receives sufficient amounts of essential nutrients, particularly when they cannot get all their nutrients from food alone. Supplements such as high-calorie, high-protein shakes, and multivitamins can help meet their nutritional needs. In some cases, enteral nutrition, such as tube feeding, may be required for individuals who cannot consume enough food orally due to medical conditions like dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or severe loss of appetite.
Additionally, addressing underlying medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders or malabsorption syndromes, is crucial for resolving undernutrition. Encouraging social meals or providing assistance with food preparation can also improve food intake, especially for older adults who may feel isolated or lack motivation to eat.
Lastly, regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is important to assess progress, adjust interventions, and ensure that the older adult’s nutritional needs are being met over time.