On your meal rounds you notice that elderly patients are not being fed properly. What is the best solution?

The most effective approach in this scenario is to speak with the director of nursing. This position typically holds a comprehensive understanding of the overall operations and standards of care within the facility, including staff training and patient safety protocols. Addressing the situation with the director of nursing can facilitate necessary changes in staffing, training, or policies that may improve how elderly patients are being fed. This action can prompt a broader examination of the issue, rather than just addressing it on an individual level.

While discussing the matter at a discharge meeting or conferring with the Nurses' Aide may provide some immediate guidance or insight, it might not lead to systemic change that impacts all elderly patients in the facility. Assigning a Diet Aide to help feed patients could be beneficial for immediate assistance but may not address underlying issues such as staffing ratios, training deficiencies, or supervision that need to be resolved at a higher administrative level. Engaging with the director of nursing ensures that the matter receives the attention it deserves at an organizational level, paving the way for more comprehensive solutions.