Final answer:
Constipation is the most often overlooked complication in older adults who require long-term enteral nutrition, and it can have a considerable impact on their health due to the interrelated nature of body systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an older adult who requires long-term enteral nutrition (EN), the complication that is most often overlooked is constipation. While complications such as tube leakage, skin problems at tube site, and decreased urine output are significant and more easily noticed, constipation can be subtle yet have profound effects on the patient's health. The interrelation between systems in the body means that constipation may not only cause discomfort but also impact other bodily functions, such as urinary continence and renal system's ability to function properly. As older adults may face physical and neurological challenges that make them less likely to report or manage constipation, this issue requires careful monitoring.
For instance, a failure to synthesize vitamin D can lead to exacerbation of constipation, and when compounded with other issues like frequent vomiting and signs of dehydration, it can further decrease a patient's quality of life. Health care providers should be vigilant of the early signs of constipation to prevent subsequent complications and ensure overall well-being of the patient on long-term EN.