Abstract
Nutritional considerations for the management of arthritis in home health patients in clude weight management and considerations of drug or nutrient interactions resulting in adverse events such as decreased appetite, increased nutrient excretion, decreased nu trient absorption, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The goals of nutritional management are to achieve optimal nutritional intake, achieve or maintain desirable or reasonable body weight, minimize medication effects related to nutritional intake, prevent or alleviate diarrhea or constipation, use vitamin and mineral supplements only as required, and avoid unproven and inadequate dietary regimens. Assessment of nutritional status is a key step in proper management. This article provides suggestions for specific problems uncovered through nutritional assessment as well as practical suggestions on topics such as exercise, hydration, weight control, and preparing food. It also reviews community nutrition resources to assist the home health care practitioner with case management.
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