Final answer:
Before encouraging an elderly patient to use a high protein nutritional supplement, the kidney function should be assessed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before encouraging an elderly patient to use a high protein nutritional supplement, the kidney function should be assessed. The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste products from the blood, including the byproducts of protein metabolism. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, the accumulation of protein waste products can lead to various health issues.
Assessing kidney function can be done through blood tests, such as measuring creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. These tests can provide information about how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. If the kidney function is impaired, it may be necessary to adjust the protein intake or choose alternative nutritional options.