An adult daughter brings a patient to the gerontology clinic and reports that the patient has become increasingly withdrawn and no longer goes out during the day. What response by the nurse is best?
a. Administer a mini mental state exam.
b. Ask the patient why this is happening.
c. Assess if the patient feels safe at home.
d. Determine if abuse is occurring.
C
Patients often withdraw and become isolated when they do not feel safe in their surroundings. The nurse should first assess the patient's perception of safety. The other options may or may not be necessary, but "why" questions should be avoided, as they generally place people on the de-fensive.
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