An 85-year-old client residing in a nursing home reports to the LPN/LVN that even though he is eating an adequate, well-balanced diet and frequently drinks fluids, he continues to lose weight. Which of the following responses by the LPN/LVN is BEST?

a. "You may need to increase your fluid intake."
b. "Due to age, you have decreased function of the gastrointestinal tract."
c. "You are not eating enough food to maintain your weight."
d. "You need to completely chew your food before swallowing it."

Option b. "Due to age, you have decreased function of the gastrointestinal tract."

Explanation:

As we begin to age or grow older as human beings, this tends to have an effect on the way gastrointestinal tract works or functions.

In older people the rate of digestion of foods tends to happen very slowly. The food moves slowly in the digestive system.

There is a reduced production in older people of enzymes required to react with the various classes of food been consumed thereby resulting in a poor or reduced production and absorption of the essential nutrients required by the body in other . This could lead to loss in weight in older people.

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