Dietitian Mentor
A site for practical nutrition information for student dietitians, DTRs and RDNs…featuring guest blogs from students or RDNs who would like to gain writing experience.
Evaluating Weight Loss
Tips for evaluating weight loss:
- State the % of weight loss and whether it was significant over 30, 90 or 180 days
- Remember that many times residents may lose weight initially after the hospital due to receiving IVF during their stay. So if they are eating 100% and have had a weight loss, this may be the cause. Knowing their UBW can help to identify this.
- Monitor for changes in edema
- Assess for any declines in intake, socialization and look for increased lethargy
- Note any medication changes (look for changes or additions of diuretics, thyroid and diabetic medications, and prednisone etc.)
- Speak to staff and resident (or family member)
- Investigate possible chewing or swallowing problems
- Look for signs and symptoms of malnutrition and dehydration when speaking with the resident
- Come up with a plan to stop the weight loss with the resident, family and/or nurse
- Make recommendations that are appropriate for the individual resident
- State when you will follow-up
- Update the Resident Care Plan
- On next visit: Check to see that the recommendations were written
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DRodoRDN
- Stepping into a Dietitian’s Shoes for Fifteen Minutes By Melany Rivera
- Are the Blue Zone Countries Truly a Hotspot for Longevity? By Michael Nguyen
- Covid-19 Troubleshooting Articles
- Blog Posts on the Long-term Care Internship by Jessie Donaldson
- Food Safety YouTube Playlists
- LTC RD and the State Survey
- Topic 5: What to Expect as a Long-Term Care Intern by Jessie Donaldson
- Topic 4: Helpful Resources for Students and Interns by Jessie Donaldson
- Topic 2: The Art of Communication in a Long-Term Care Setting by Jessie Donaldson, Student Intern
- Topic 3: Interprofessional Relationships in Long-Term Care by Jessie Donaldson, Student Dietitian
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