A nurse is working with an older patient in the gerontology clinic. The patient reports a vague decline in function and says, "I guess I'm just getting older." What action by the nurse is best?
a. Help the patient find ways to cope with the changes.
b. Assess the patient for an undetected ill-ness.
c. Ask if the patient needs any home health services.
d. Find out what the patient thinks of these changes.
B
Vague changes and declining function are often attributed to aging but can be the only signs of illness. The nurse should perform a thorough assessment to look for any possible ailments. If the findings are normal and the changes are age related, the nurse can help the patient find ways to cope, ask about home health care services, and determine the patient's thoughts on the matter.
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