Final answer:
Excessive protein intake in elderly patients with stage III pressure ulcers and impaired renal function may worsen renal uremia and further reduce kidney function. Careful consideration of protein needs is essential to avoid acute renal failure and protein-energy malnutrition, which are potential risks with high protein diets in this population.
Step-by-step explanation:
Calculating protein needs above 1.5 g/kg body weight in an elderly patient with stage III pressure ulcer and impaired renal function may cause increased stress on the kidneys, potentially leading to renal uremia. When the kidneys are already compromised, as indicated by reduced function or disease, excessive protein intake can exacerbate their condition by increasing the workload. This can lead to elevated levels of blood urea and creatinine, indicating further decline in renal function. Protein needs must be balanced carefully against the body's ability to process and eliminate nitrogenous waste to avoid complications such as acute renal failure or worsening uremia.
Additionally, high protein intake may contribute to protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) if it displaces other necessary nutrients in the diet, leading to a lack of dietary balance. This is particularly concerning in the elderly, who may already be at risk for malnutrition, and may also lead to issues such as edema due to low plasma albumin levels synthesized by the liver.