Long-Term Care

Recognize the signs of weight loss and malnutrition

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, December 18, 2008

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer!

Weight loss is a common problem in long-term care. Newly admitted residents often lose a few pounds within the first month. However, weight stabilizes soon thereafter. Malnutrition and other weight related complications may be unrecognized over time if staff members do not compare current weight with previous weights.

Some residents can develop malnutrition while in the long-term care facility. Some signs and symptoms of malnutrition are as follows:

  • Weight loss
  • Dull, dry hair
  • Hair loss
  • Red, swollen lips; may have fissures at corners
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Pale color, dry skin, sunken cheeks
  • Fragile nails; may be spoon-shaped
  • Diarrhea, anorexia
  • Weakness, muscle wasting, peripheral neuropathy
  • Slow wound healing, ecchymosis, dry, flaky skin; may have edema as a result of low protein

This is an excerpt from HCPro’s book The Long-Term Care Nursing Desk Reference, written by Barbara Acello, RN, MSN.



Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer!

Comments

0 comments on “Recognize the signs of weight loss and malnutrition ”

 

Most Popular

Related Articles