During a health history, the nurse wants to include an assessment of depression with an older patient. What statements will the nurse use to make this assessment?

Question

1. "How often do you go out to socialize with friends?"
2. "Explain your self-care activities."
3. "How much alcohol do you consume every day?"
4. "How is living with your oldest daughter and her family working out for you?"
5. "Are you feeling depressed?"

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: This question would assess if the patient is reluctant to leave the home, which can indicate depression in the older adult.
Rationale 2: Older patients are reluctant to admit depression because it is seen as an inability to continue to care for themselves.
Rationale 3: In some cases, the older patient may overuse alcohol or combine it with other medications that are depressants, which can further impact depression.
Rationale 4: Factors that contribute to depression in the older patient include the need to move in with other family members because of health status or finances.
Rationale 5: Depression is greatly underdiagnosed among older patients. One reason is the reluctance to admit depression because it can be seen as a sign of weakness or an inability to care for oneself. Asking patients directly if they feel depressed is not likely to elicit the desired information.