A home care nurse is making an initial visit to a 68-year-old man. The nurse finds the man tearful and withdrawn. Even though the man lives alone and has no family, he has been managing well at home up until this time
What would be the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A) Reassess the patient's psychosocial status and make the necessary referrals
B) Have the patient volunteer in the community for social contact
C) Arrange for him to be reassessed by his physician
D) Encourage joining a group that plays cards every week
Ans: A
Feedback: The patient is exhibiting signs of depression and should be reassessed and a referral made as necessary. Patients with chronic illness are at an increased risk of depression. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they are not the most appropriate action for the nurse to take.
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