In the nursing guidance for senior nutrition, which statement is listed as true?

In the nursing guidance for senior nutrition, which statement is listed as true?

• A. Older adults are more prone to dehydration than younger adults are.
• B. Calcium supplementation is harmful for older adults.
• C. Carbohydrate intake should be eliminated for seniors.
• D. Hydration is not necessary if a multivitamin is taken.

Answer: (A)

Older adults are more prone to dehydration than younger adults because aging changes body water balance, reduces thirst sensation, and lowers the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine. Many seniors also take medications like diuretics, have limited mobility, or cognitive impairment that makes it harder to maintain regular fluid intake. In nursing practice, this means encouraging regular access to fluids, monitoring intake and urine output, and watching for subtle signs of dehydration such as confusion, dizziness, fatigue, or dry mouth. Dehydration in older adults can lead to constipation, urinary tract infections, electrolyte disturbances, kidney injury, delirium, and falls, so staying adequately hydrated is a key, ongoing nursing focus. The other statements don’t fit typical guidance: calcium supplementation isn’t inherently harmful for all older adults and is often needed for bone health under guidance, carbohydrates should not be eliminated since they provide energy and fiber, and hydration remains important even if a multivitamin is taken.

Older adults are more prone to dehydration than younger adults because aging changes body water balance, reduces thirst sensation, and lowers the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine. Many seniors also take medications like diuretics, have limited mobility, or cognitive impairment that makes it harder to maintain regular fluid intake. In nursing practice, this means encouraging regular access to fluids, monitoring intake and urine output, and watching for subtle signs of dehydration such as confusion, dizziness, fatigue, or dry mouth. Dehydration in older adults can lead to constipation, urinary tract infections, electrolyte disturbances, kidney injury, delirium, and falls, so staying adequately hydrated is a key, ongoing nursing focus.

The other statements don’t fit typical guidance: calcium supplementation isn’t inherently harmful for all older adults and is often needed for bone health under guidance, carbohydrates should not be eliminated since they provide energy and fiber, and hydration remains important even if a multivitamin is taken.