Problem
Mrs. Hartley, a Christian Scientist, is 92 and almost blind. Although she can make out light and dark, everything is blurred and shadowy. She has a cold and wants to rest in bed instead of going to the dining room to eat. Nursing assistants are serving trays and assisting residents to eat. Mrs. Hartley has dentures and an order for a soft diet. The nursing assistant serving trays notes that Mrs. Hartley seems listless and her skin is dry.
1) Why is it especially important for Mrs. Hartley to receive proper nutrition and hydration at this time?
2) What kind of supplemental nourishments might be beneficial for her and when might you offer them?
3) From your observations, what might you suspect about Mrs. Hartley's level of hydration?
4) What beverage would you not serve to this resident?