How do you assist a patient to eat and drink?
Assist the patient to sit in an upright position at a table in a dining room, in a chair by the bed or upright in bed if the patient cannot get up. This helps with swallowing and protects the airway (Dougherty and Lister, 2015). Eating in a dining room also makes the meal a social occasion.
What are some nursing interventions for nutrition?
Nutrition interventions may include optimizing the patient’s oral intake, providing oral nutrition supplements, and administering enteral and parenteral nutrition. Nurses play a key role in implementing these interventions.
Why is eating and drinking important?
Why is eating and drinking important? A healthy, balanced diet can help improve a person’s quality of life. However, common symptoms of dementia (such as memory loss and difficulties with thinking and problem-solving) can make it more difficult to eat and drink well.
How do you encourage patients to eat?
Motivate the patient Encourage patients to eat at meal times or to eat small meals regularly when they are most hungry and to indulge in their favourite foods. Offer patients snacks to keep them interested in food. Remember, the longer a patient goes without food for the more likely they will not feel hungry.
How can we encourage the elderly to eat and drink?
How to Increase and Stimulate Appetite in the Elderly
- Create a routine.
- Fortify food.
- Eat with others.
- Fight dry mouth.
- Use finger foods.
- Encourage snacking.
- Suggest stimulants.
- Use drinkable meals.
How can you promote dignity and respect with regard to eating and drinking?
Let’s take a look at 9 examples, all of which derive from the dignity factors listed above.
- Let people choose their own clothing.
- Involve them in decisions relating to their care.
- Address the person properly.
- Make food look and taste nice.
- Respect personal space and possessions.
- Handle hygiene activities sensitively.
What is nutrition care plan?
The nutrition care plan is a living document which can be updated as required to meet the individual change in nutrient needs, appetite and ability to access food etc.
What is an appropriate nursing intervention for the care of a patient with malnutrition?
Teach about nutritional requirements, and plan an eating program that includes high-calorie, high-protein foods and supplements and reflects her food preferences. Encourage small, frequent meals. Encourage to keep a food intake diary. Teach strategies to reduce risks for infection.
How do you encourage a patient to drink?
6 ways to get seniors to drink more water
- Remember that there are many sources of fluids. People don’t have to drink only plain water to get hydrated.
- Keep water close by at all times.
- Experiment with beverages at different temperatures.
- Try something savory.
- Make popsicles.
- Offer smoothies, milkshakes, Ensure, sports drinks.
What happens when an elderly person stops eating and drinking?
People can go longer without eating than they can without drinking, but for someone who is bedridden, they will typically die within a few days to two weeks if they stop eating or drinking completely.
How can we promote dignity through eating and nutritional care?
Is it necessary to assist patients with eating and drinking?
It is essential that all patients receive adequate food and drink appropriate to their needs (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2015) and while many will be able to manage independently, some patients will need assistance.
Can a nurse choose food for a patient?
Nurses should not choose food for patients without consultation; if they are unable to choose for themselves, their nurse should speak to a carer or relative to find out their likes and dislikes where possible. As part of the assessment process, it is important to know whether patients have any special dietary needs.
How to help patients with dementia to eat and drink?
This is good practice, particularly for patients with dementia or learning disabilities as they may be more willing to accept help from a person they know. The use of red tableware such as red trays, jugs and beakers can help to highlight patients who need help with eating and drinking.
Who is the nutrition nurse at Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust?
It highlights the importance of monitoring food and fluid intake and the need for accurate documentation Citation: Anderson L (2017) Assisting patients with eating and drinking to prevent malnutrition. Nursing Times [online]; 113, 11, 23-25. Author: Liz Anderson is nutrition nurse specialist at Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust.