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Dysphagia Case Study Essay

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From what I have understood, I would say the contributing factors for dysphagia would have been because she has suffered from a stroke that has possibly contributed in the difficulty to chew or swallow foods and liquids, that may have been the lead cause of her malnutrition. Ignatavicius, & Workman (2016) found “studies indicate that as many as 50% of patients are malnourished at 2 to 3 weeks after a severe stroke” (p.942). complication from tube feeding may include fluid and electrolyte imbalance or even fluid overload from too much tube feeding. In order to limit complication from tube feeding the nurse must assess signs and symptoms of circulatory overload for example peripheral edema. Keeping the tube site free from infections, auscultating lung sounds and also observing for signs of dehydration. The Albumin levels from Mrs. Smith is low normal rage is between 3.5-5.0 so she may have fluid excess. Also, her pre-albumin is low and could be a result of protein and calorie malnutrition. The priority nursing diagnosis I would choose for Mrs. Smith would be Imbalance nutrition less that body requirement …show more content…

My initial assessment would start with her medical history, asking about changes in eating habits, such as changes in appetite, recent weight changes then followed by a full set of vital signs, a head to toe assessment. Also, a psychosocial assessment such as her living, arrangements and mental status. List the nursing assessments the nurse will complete in order to plan for her discharge. I would assess Mrs. Smith vital signs, make sure her tube feeding sight has not signs of infections, no skin breakdown, and providing resources that she may need. Also, that her weight and nutritional status is within a normal range. How are they different from the initial assessments? The initial assessment is what the nurse may need to know before determination what is wrong with the patient.

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