Question

Mrs. Walker is a 74-year-old non-Hispanic white woman. She is 62 inches tall and weighs 112 pounds. She has lost 2 inches in height in the past 20 years. She smokes half a pack of cigarettes a day and has been a smoker for 54 years. About 18 months ago, she began to experience mouth pain. A dental examination revealed several loose teeth as a result of severe gum disease. She has had significant dental work in the past year, which has resulted in five extracts. A partial plate with false teeth was attempted but because of continued mouth pain was not worn regularly. Mrs. Walker has altered her diet as a result of her poor dentition. She no longer eats fresh fruits, salad, steak, nuts, or other hard-to-chew foods. She rarely eats out anymore. It takes her twice as long to eat as a few years ago. She plans to have a full upper jaw extraction and be fitted for a full denture when she has the money.

Since her dental problems began, she has lost 11 pounds. She is depressed and frustrated by the changes she has had to make in her diet. Eating has become a chore and has lost the pleasure it once had.

1. Which risk factors does Mrs. Walker have for developing malnutrition?
2. What concerns you the most about this case?
3. What suggestions to do have for Mrs. Walker?

Answer 1

Answer: The client is not eating proper food. As mentioned in the case study, she left eating fruits and barely eat proper food. This will cause lack of nutrition and hence will causes fatigue, weakness as well as increase the risk of other chronic disease.

The continuous malnutrition as well as improper diet would lead to other diseases. The gum disease could be severe and may cause excessive bleeding. The depression may also result in to severe mental illness.

The client should intake juices, fluid which can be easily swallowed. She should also increase the intake of water and must be stay hydrated. This would reduce the risk of other disease.