Determining nutritional status of the elderly surgical patient: steps in the assessment process.
Many variables contribute to complications of nutritional depletion, and any complication can be caused by nutrient deficiencies alone. A broad knowledge of contributing factors, clinical signs and symptoms, and laboratory test results equips the nurse to quickly and accurately identify a malnourished patient. The perioperative team then can initiate steps to support the patient through the surgical and recovery process.
Collinsworth
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Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dayton, Ohio.
D000368:Aged; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D009737:Nursing Records; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009871:Operating Room Nursing / Q000379:methods*