Reference no: EM133581436

Problem

Case Study: The Needs of an Older Woman Living Alone

Mrs. Evans has just celebrated her 80th birthday. She was married for 60 years, but her husband died 8 weeks ago. Mrs. Evans has no major health problems other than arthritis. She uses aspirin regularly for pain. Mrs. Evans lives in a subsidized high-rise apartment complex for senior citizens. She has a four-burner stove and small refrigerator, but very limited storage space for frozen items. Prior to the death of her husband, she enjoyed preparing meals for him and eating with him. They often shared evening meals with a married couple living in a nearby apartment; this couple invited the Evans to have eat with them, too. Now, Mrs. Evans prepares all her own meals and eats alone. She usually has toast and coffee for breakfast and either a bowl of cereal or a peanut butter sandwich for lunch. She does not drink any milk except with her cereal. She is fond of cheese. She makes a lot of stew-type meals, often buying chicken when it is on sale. She likes fruits and vegetables but uses mostly canned ones because they are cheaper than fresh produce. Mrs. Evans finds the amount of money she can spend for food very limited. She likes whole wheat bread and usually selects it although her favorite brand is higher in cost than other breads. Mrs. Evans had shopped about twice a week at a supermarket located about 1 mile from her apartment. After a recent fall, she is afraid to ride the bus alone now, so her nephew shops for her about once every 2-3 weeks. In between, she buys necessary items at a convenience store about 1 block from her apartment, but the prices are much higher. Mrs. Evans has well-fitting dentures and can eat anything she wishes, but she has not been feeling hungry lately. She weighs herself every week and notices that she has lost 10 pounds over the last month.

Thoroughly discuss her risk of malnutrition based on socioeconomic, physiological, and psychological factors that may influence her intake. What other information would you ask of Mrs. Evans if you were a health care provider working with her?

Thoroughly answer the following questions:

Question A. Discuss socioeconomic factors that put Mrs. Evans at nutritional risk.

Question B. What physiological factors put Mrs. Evans at nutritional rick?

Question C. Address the psychological factors that may influence her intake and put her at risk.

Question D. Regarding nutrition risk, what is your primary concern for Mrs. Evans currently? Justify your response.

Question E. What other information would you ask of Mrs. Evans if you were a health care provider working with her? Justify your response