An Examination of Nurses' Role in Preventing Malnutrition in Hospitalized Elderly Patients at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Malnutrition among hospitalized elderly patients is a significant concern, as it can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased risk of complications, and a slower recovery process. The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to malnutrition due to factors such as chronic illness, reduced appetite, and difficulty swallowing. Hospitalized elderly patients often face additional challenges, including the effects of acute illness, medications, and limited access to a balanced diet.
Nurses are at the frontline of patient care and play a crucial role in the early identification and prevention of malnutrition. Their responsibilities include assessing nutritional status, identifying patients at risk of malnutrition, implementing feeding interventions, and collaborating with dietitians to ensure that the dietary needs of elderly patients are met. Despite the essential role nurses play in managing malnutrition, studies have suggested that nutritional care is often overlooked, particularly in settings with limited resources and staff.
At Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, an important healthcare facility in southeastern Nigeria, nurses are involved in the care of elderly patients who may be at risk for malnutrition. However, the extent to which nurses actively engage in preventing and managing malnutrition in these patients remains unclear. This study seeks to examine the role of nurses in preventing malnutrition among hospitalized elderly patients and explore the strategies used to improve nutritional outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
Malnutrition remains a significant issue among hospitalized elderly patients, with many suffering from poor nutritional intake during their stay in healthcare facilities. Nurses, who are integral to patient care, may not always be fully aware of the importance of nutritional interventions or equipped to identify early signs of malnutrition. This lack of proactive engagement in nutritional care may contribute to adverse health outcomes for elderly patients. There is a need to assess how nurses at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, manage malnutrition in hospitalized elderly patients and identify barriers to effective care.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the role of nurses in preventing malnutrition among hospitalized elderly patients at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
2. To evaluate the knowledge and practices of nurses regarding malnutrition prevention in elderly patients.
3. To identify the challenges nurses face in preventing and managing malnutrition in elderly patients and propose solutions to improve care.
Research Questions
1. What role do nurses at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, play in preventing malnutrition among hospitalized elderly patients?
2. How knowledgeable are nurses at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, about malnutrition prevention in elderly patients?
3. What challenges do nurses face in preventing and managing malnutrition in elderly patients at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, have limited knowledge about malnutrition prevention in elderly patients.
2. Nurses at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, play a significant role in preventing malnutrition among hospitalized elderly patients.
3. Lack of resources and training are major barriers to the prevention of malnutrition in elderly patients at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the geriatric and general medical wards of Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. It will explore their role in malnutrition prevention among hospitalized elderly patients. The limitations of the study include the potential for response bias and the difficulty of obtaining a representative sample of patients with varying degrees of malnutrition.
Definitions of Terms
• Malnutrition: A condition that occurs when a patient’s nutritional needs are not met, leading to negative health outcomes.
• Elderly Patients: Individuals aged 60 years and above, who are more vulnerable to malnutrition.
• Nurses' Role: The specific actions and interventions taken by nurses to prevent, identify, and manage malnutrition in elderly patients.
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