The spouse of an older adult patient is concerned that the ...

[MirandaLo]

The spouse of an older adult patient is concerned that the patient has recently experienced memory lapses, is unusually aggressive, and has had three traffic accidents in the past month. Which will the nurse include as part of the assessment?
 
  Select all that apply.
  1. Depression screening
  2. Substance abuse assessment
  3. Nutrition screening
  4. Mental status examination
  5. Anxiety screening

Question 2

The nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has recently moved into a skilled nursing facility. The patient is displaying anxiety, fear, and loneliness after the change in living environment.
 
  Which actions by the nurse will help to decrease the patient's stress of transition? Select all that apply.
  1. Provide the patient with decisions in a direct manner.
  2. Accommodate the patient's normal routines and preferences.
  3. Provide the patient with resources to help in making decisions.
  4. Encourage the patient to discuss feelings related to relocation.
  5. Assist the patient to communicate with family members.

[mmpiza]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2, 4
Explanation: Further assessment of the patient's behavior is necessary. Unusual aggression, memory lapses, and traffic accidents may indicate progressive loss of cognitive function associated with dementia, but they may also indicate some type of substance abuse, such as alcohol use disorder. Although aggression may be associated with anxiety due to an unmet need, the combination of aggression with memory lapses and traffic accidents does not indicate a need for an anxiety screening or a depression screening. There is no indication of inadequate nutrition.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 2, 3, 4, 5
Explanation: Older adults are at increased risk of developing symptoms related to relocations and housing transitions. This is especially true when the older adult moves from a private residence to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Nurses can help decrease the stress of transition by helping the older adult develop a sense of control and familiarity over the new environment. The nurse should accommodate the patient's normal routines and preferences, provide the patient with resources to help in making decisions, encourage the patient to discuss feelings related to relocation, and assist the patient to communicate with family members. The nurse should allow the patient to be involved in decision making, not direct the patient's decisions.