Answer to Question 1
D
Abdominal pain, muscle aches, and dry mouth are common physical symptoms of depression in the older adult. Other physical causes of these symptoms must be ruled out, and further assessment of other signs of depression must be noted. Decreased or slowed memory is cognitive; fatigue is emotional; change in appetite is behavioral.
Answer to Question 2
C
In this patient's initial treatment, it is important to focus on basic physiological functioning and safety concerns such as ensuring adequate nutrition. Therefore, interventions focused on basic functioning should be stressed in his initial care plan. Providing finger foods enables easier intake, and nutrient-dense foods require that the patient ingest less food while still maintaining his weight. Severely depressed persons have impaired cognition and would have difficulty with tasks involving concentration or fine motor skills. It is important to choose activities for which the patient would have a high likelihood of success (or a positive experience) in order to reduce failure and reinforcement of negative self-image. Reinforcing an interest in work is desirable but unrealistic for his initial care plan.