An older adult lives alone at home and is being treated for ...

[jparksx]

An older adult lives alone at home and is being treated for chronic pain. The home health care nurse notes the adult is disheveled and has dirty dishes piled up in the sink. What action by the nurse is best?
 
  a. Notify adult protective services.
  b. Arrange for hospitalization.
  c. Assess the patient's pain.
  d. Assess the patient's cognitive status.

Question 2

An older patient has moved into an adult child's home after an extended stay at a rehabilitation facility. The patient complains the child is now the boss and the child complains about care-giving duties. What action by the nurse is best?
 
  a. Help the older patient find another place to live.
  b. Suggest that it is time for assisted living.
  c. Mediate a family meeting to discuss roles.
  d. Listen empathetically but let them work it out.

[Sweetkitty24130]

Answer to Question 1

C
Although all actions might be appropriate depending on circumstances, because the patient is being treated for pain and has a functional decline, the nurse should assess first for unrelieved pain.

Answer to Question 2

C
Role reversals and role changes are common in families where an older adult has chronic illnesses. These lost roles need to be mourned by all involved. The nurse helps most in this situation by mediating a family meeting where roles, coping, and feelings can be discussed. The nurse can help problem solve by assisting the individuals to identify ways in which they can keep their traditional roles, if even only for a short time.