A nurse assesses a client in the preoperative holding area and finds brittle nails and hair,dry skin turgor,and muscle wasting.What action by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This client has signs of malnutrition,which can impact recovery from surgery.The nurse should consult the surgeon about prescribing a consultation with a dietitian in the postoperative period.The nurse should document the findings but needs to do more.Encouraging the client to eat more may be helpful,but the client needs a professional nutritional assessment so that the appropriate diet and supplements can be ordered.The client may or may not need Meals on Wheels after discharge.

A Nurse Assesses a Client in the Preoperative Holding Area