James is a 65-year-old client who became a widow last year after 40 years of marriage. At his clinic visit the nurse suspects that he looks thinner and notes his weight has decreased from 180 pounds to 160 pounds

Question

While talking with James she asks: 1. "How are you adjusting to the loss of your wife?"
2. "Who cooks for you at home?"
3. "Would you like me to set up meals on wheels?"
4. "Can you afford to buy food on your social security income?"

Answer 1

1

Rationale: Depression can lead to weight loss, isolation, and change in eating habits and should be treated either through counseling or antidepression medications. Inquiring about the preparation of food is important but will not be helpful if the underlying cause is an eating disorder resulting from depression. Home-delivered meal programs for the elderly can be helpful in assuring that they have affordable meals available to them, although the meals are not cooked according to individual preferences. Financial problems can be a factor for eating disorders among clients on fixed incomes, but more often results in weight gain since foods that are inexpensive are often filled with calories while having little nutritious value.