remember the last time I worked out or did any
exercise, unless running from my car to the
train counts! I guess it’s no wonder I’ve gained
a few pounds over the years!”
1.What patient teaching might the nurse provide
to help Mr. Johnston meet his nutritional and
exercise needs?2.What would be a successful outcome for this
patient?3.What intellectual, technical, interpersonal,
and/or ethical/legal competencies are most
likely to bring about the desired outcome?4.What resources might be helpful for
Mr. Johnston?PATIENT CARE STUDY
Read the following case study and use your
nursing process skills to answer the questions
below.
Scenario:Mr. Church, a 74-year-old white
man, is being admitted to the geriatric unit of
the hospital for a diagnostic workup. He was
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 4 years
ago, and 1 year ago, he was admitted to a
long-term care facility. His wife of 49 years isextremely devoted and informs the nurse tak-
ing the admission history that she instigated
his admission to the hospital because she was
alarmed by the amount of weight he was
losing. Assessment reveals a 6-foot, 1-inch tall,
emaciated man who weighs 149 pounds. His
wife reports that he has lost 20 pounds in the
past 2 months. The staff at the long-term care
facility report that he was eating his meals
and his wife validated that this was the case.
No one seems sure, however, of the caloric
content of his diet. Mrs. Church nods her
head vigorously when asked if her husband
had seemed more agitated and hyperactive
recently. Mr. Church has dull, sparse hair;
pale, dry skin; and dry mucous membranes.
1.Identify pertinent patient data by placing a
single underline beneath the objective data in
the case study and a double underline beneath
the subjective data.
2.Complete the Nursing Process Worksheet on
page 242 to develop a three-part diagnostic
statement and related plan of care for this
patient.
3.Write down the patient and personal nursing
strengths you hope to draw on as you assist
this patient to better health.
Patient strengths:Personal strengths:4.Pretend that you are performing a nursing
assessment of this patient after the plan of
care is implemented. Document your findings.CHAPTER 36 NUTRITION 241
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