A nurse monitors older adults in a long-term care facility. Which ...

[kodithompson]

A nurse monitors older adults in a long-term care facility. Which of the following symptoms would require follow-up by the nurse to assess for depression in the older adult?
 
  A) Anorexia
  B) Weakness
  C) Labile affect
  D) Impaired perceptions

Question 2

A nurse assesses an older adult using a mini-mental status examination. The client is very slow to respond to the questions. Which of the following conditions may be present and will require follow-up by the nurse? (Select all that apply.)
 
  A) Lack of education
  B) Dementia
  C) Depression
  D) Confabulation
  E) Concrete thinking

[Tabitha_2016]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A
Appetite disturbances, particularly anorexia, are among the most common physical complaints of depressed older adults. Individuals with dementia have the following symptoms: vague fatigue, labile affect, and physical complaints that are easily forgotten.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B, C
The nurse assesses the amount of time and effort expended in answering questions. This is particularly important when trying to differentiate between dementia and depression. Lack of education and concrete thinking would not slow the client in responding to assessment tools such as the mini-mental. Confabulation is when the client creates information.