A community mental health nurse has the task of planning an educational program for staff of a
home health agency specializing in care of the elderly. A topic of high priority should be
a. identifying clinical depression in older adults.
b. providing cost-effective foot care for the elderly.
c. identifying dietary deficiencies in the elderly.
d. psychosocial stimulation for those who live alone.
A
The topic of greatest immediacy is the identification of clinical depression in older adults. Home
health staff are better versed in the physical aspects of care and are less knowledgeable about mental
health topics. Statistics show that elderly clients with mental health problems are less likely than
young adults to be accurately diagnosed. This is especially true for depression and anxiety, both of
which are likely to be misinterpreted as normal aging. Undiagnosed and untreated depression and
anxiety result in unnecessary suffering. The other options are of lesser importance.
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