Nutrition and Hydration in Older Adults — Written Clinical Reasoning

SAQ 1 — Integrated plan (12 marks)

Prompt: Provide a prioritised problem list and management sequence for this presentation. ^{[1] [2]}

Model Answer

1. Frame and red flags (3 marks) ^[1]

State the working diagnosis/syndrome, acuity, and what would force emergency treatment now. ^{[1] [2]}

2. Discriminating assessment (3 marks) ^[2]

List the key history, examination and investigations that separate dangerous differentials from benign mimics. ^{[1] [2]}

3. Treatment sequence (4 marks) ^{[1] [3]}

Immediate stabilisation, disease-specific therapy, monitoring, and complications prevention. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

4. Follow-up and communication (2 marks) ^[2]

Disposition, safety-net advice, and who owns follow-up. ^{[1] [2]}