A nurse case manager compares two elderly clients: Client A is arthritic and cares for a severely disabled spouse in her home on a limited income, and Client B maintains excellent control of his congestive heart failure and diabetes and periodically
becomes engaged in stressful family events. The nurse understands which of the following? a. Client A is more likely to develop additional medical problems.
b. Client B is more likely to develop additional medical problems.
c. Both are at high risk to the same degree.
d. Neither is likely to develop more problems.
A
The elderly arthritic client caring for her severely disabled spouse is much more likely to develop medical problems. This client is dealing with several stressors that could lead to depression. Both chronic illness and caring for an ill life partner can cause emotional strains that lead to depression. Depression among the elderly is more likely to show up as additional physical ailments than it would among younger people. The depression, arthritis, and additional workload of caring for her husband may place her in a more physically debilitated condition. Furthermore, she may find herself neglecting her own self-care needs such as hygiene and nutrition, which may cause or exacerbate her medical ailments.
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