A 72-year-old woman states that she has trouble sleeping and that her appetite has declined
She also tells the nurse she hasn't been getting out much lately. Findings from her physical examination and laboratory studies are normal. Based on these data, the nurse should first do which of the following?
A) Collaborate with the physician to have a sleeping medication ordered and suggest that she get more exercise to stimulate her appetite.
B) Teach her that her symptoms are associated with the normal aging process but that exercise will help.
C) Schedule a follow-up appointment in 3 months to monitor her health.
D) Screen her for depression.
Ans: D
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Physical health and mental health are intertwined closely, especially in older adults. Clients with a psychiatric illness may first present with somatic symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, and weight loss. Physical illness such as vascular dementia and delirium (see Chapter 33) may appear with psychiatric symptoms of delusions, agitation, and mood and behavior changes. Similarly, chronic medical conditions are associated with psychiatric illness, particularly depression.
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