If a 75-year-old woman needs hip replacement surgery but reports that she has lost 15 lb since her husband died 3 months ago because she has had very little appetite,the best approach would be to

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Loss of 15 lb in 3 months is probably associated with significant nutritional risk;at least 2 weeks of good nutritional intake should be encouraged before surgery to minimize risk of complications and improve healing.The patient is able to eat,and so enteral feedings are not needed,and it would be better to improve nutritional status before surgery rather than afterwards.Supplements may be helpful,but it is always better to obtain nutrients from food rather than supplements.Delaying surgery until the patient returns to usual body weight is not necessary so long as nutrient stores are replenished.

If a 75-Year-Old Woman Needs Hip Replacement Surgery but Reports