Final answer:
When assessing malnutrition in an older adult, nurses can expect to find symptoms like brittle hair, which indicates a deficiency in essential nutrients, especially protein. Other signs can include dry skin, gingivitis, bleeding gums, and a compromised immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assessing Malnutrition in Older Adults
When assessing an older adult experiencing malnutrition, a nurse may expect to find a variety of physical symptoms indicative of poor nutritional status. One such symptom is brittle hair, which signifies a lack of essential nutrients often associated with a protein deficiency. In addition to brittle hair, other signs of malnutrition might include dry skin, gingivitis, bleeding gums, delayed wound healing, easy bruising, and a compromised immune system that could lead to conditions such as scurvy. These symptoms highlight the importance of a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients for maintaining overall health and preventing malnutrition-related complications.
Malnutrition in older adults can be exacerbated by medical conditions that affect appetite or digestion, such as cancer, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, factors like chronic pain, psychiatric illnesses, and poverty can further contribute to inadequate food intake, escalating the risk of undernutrition and its associated symptoms.