Question

The nurse in the long-term care facility cares for a 70-yr-old man with late-stage dementia who is undernourished and has problems chewing and swallowing. What should the nurse include in the plan of care for this patient?

Provide thickened fluids and moist foods in bite-size pieces.

Answer 1

The nurse should provide easy-to-swallow, moist foods in bite-size pieces and thickened fluids, monitor for malnutrition, and ensure good oral hygiene to support the health of a dementia patient with chewing and swallowing difficulties.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's plan of care for an undernourished 70-year-old man with late-stage dementia who has chewing and swallowing difficulties should focus on ensuring adequate nutrition and preventing further health decline. This includes providing thickened fluids to reduce the risk of aspiration and making sure foods are moist and easy to swallow. Preparing foods in bite-size pieces can prevent choking and make self-feeding simpler for the patient.

Given the patient's condition, it is also important to monitor signs of malnutrition and dehydration regularly, and adjust the dietary plan as needed. Working in collaboration with a dietitian may help tailor the nutritional needs more effectively. Moreover, because oral health greatly impacts the patient's ability to eat, maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial, which might include the regular examination of dentures or oral structures for signs of infection or discomfort that could hinder eating.