Question

Certain medications (whether over-the-counter or prescription) can reduce appetite, cause nausea, or make food taste differently. If a senior doesn't feel hungry due to medication side effects, what are the appropriate guidelines for intervention in order to make sure the client receives their recommended nutritional intake. Give specific nutritional details.

Nutrition Essentials for Nursing Practice 7th Edition Author: Susan G. Dudek

Answer 1

If a senior doesn't feel hungry due to medication side effects, what are the appropriate guidelines for intervention in order to make sure the client receives their recommended nutritional intake. Give specific nutritional details.

Never increase the volume of food instead increase the density of nutrient by adding extra calories by including butter, olive oil, avacado in their diet.

It is essential to have a regular meal timings and addition of small snacks in the meal should be gradually done.

Encourage to have a social meal. As the seniors love to have people around them to talk and care for them, they tend to have more food. Eating alone reduces appetite too.

Medication side effects makes their taste lower. Hence brushing and oral flush before meals will improve taste. Making salads with lemon and sliced veggies improves taste.

Consideration of appetite stimulants may help them to increase their food intake.