Mrs. Law is a 77-year-old woman recovering from hip surgery after a fall. She lives with her husband who helps care for her. She has a history of smoking and has hypertension and high cholesterol. The visiting nurse assesses Mrs. Law, who reports pain, lack of appetite, difficulty sleeping and constipation. Mrs. Law's diet consists of doughnuts, salad, tomato soup, crackers, pretzels and wine.

1. Mrs. Law, a 77-year-old female, is at home recovering from a
surgery that she had after falling and breaking her hip 5 days
ago. She lives with her husband, Dean, who helps to care for
her. Mrs. Law is a former smoker and has a past medical history
of hypertension and hyperlipidemia.
You are the visiting nurse, assigned to check on her
postoperative progress. You ask the client how she is feeling,
do an assessment, and inquire as to what she has eaten over the
past 24 hours. Mrs. Law states that she has "no pep," no
appetite, has been taking her pain medication as prescribed
(every 4 hours—but not real helpful!), cannot sleep well,
doesn’t feel much like walking except to the bathroom, and has
been unable to move her bowels for several days.
Breakfast: Two glazed doughnuts, coffee (black)
Lunch: Tossed salad with oil and vinegar, diet soda
Dinner: Tomato soup, 1 cup; four soda crackers; and red
homemade wine
Snack: Pretzels, diet soda
What nutrients that contribute to bone health are missing in
Mrs. Law’s diet?
What other dietary concerns do you have?
Is Mrs. Law getting the appropriate amount of vitamins and
minerals for her age and current condition? Why or why not?