Depression in the elderly
This Symptom, often present in elderly patients with depression, and is marked by withdrawal and reluctance to interact with others.
What is Social Withdrawal
This initial step, often done during a home visit, involves observing and recording the client's general appearance and interaction style.
What is a general assessment?
Fluoxetine Hydrochloride, prescribed at 35 mg per day, is an example of this type of medication used to treat depression.
What is an antidepressant?
This is the main risk factor for potential harm in elderly patients with major depression.
What is suicidal ideation?
This nutrient-rich, high-calorie approach can be helpful for patients who have lost a lot of weight.
What is small, frequent meals?
Depression in the elderly is sometimes hard to identify because it often presents with this type of symptoms instead of sadness.
What are physical symptoms
In elderly patients, assessing these three vital signs can help determine overall health status, as shown with a blood pressure of 110/70, a heart rate of 88, and respirations of 20.
What are blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate?
This effect, a sensation of unsteadiness, is an occasional side effect reported by the client.
What is dizziness?
The client’s reluctance to discuss her mood with the nurse is an example of this type of barrier to treatment.
What is resistance or denial?
A 35-lb weight loss in six months is classified as this type of nutrition imbalance.
What is malnutrition?
A significant loss in this over a short period is a red flag for depression and malnutritio.
What is weight
An elderly patient who responds minimally to questions may be showing signs of this common depressive symptom.
What is low engagement or withdrawal?
The family member or caregiver’s role in ensuring medication adherence is particularly important in elderly patients with this condition.
What is depression?
This term refers to the support provided by a spouse or partner, especially when the patient is unable to self-monitor effectively.
What is a caregiver or support system?
This measure, which includes both height and weight, can help assess whether a patient is underweight, overweight, or within a healthy range
What is BMI (Body Mass Index)?
This term refers to persistent thoughts of self- harm, often a critical safety concern in elderly patients with depression.
What is suicidal ideation
A tool or guide used to evaluate the risk of suicide by assessing mood, history, and current thoughts.
What is a suicide risk assessment tool?
Patients on antidepressants are advised to avoid this, as it can interact negatively with the medication.
What is alcohol?
Keeping contact information for emergency mental health support readily available is a key component of this.
What is a safety plan?
Loss of this important sense, which is common in elderly patients, can contribute to poor nutrition by reducing the pleasure of eating.
What is taste?
This type of assessment is crucial in determining the level of support an elderly patient has after being discharged from the hospital
What is a psychosocial assessment
This condition, reported by the client, can be a side effect of medications for depression and affect hydration.
What is dry mouth?
This term describes monitoring for side effects like dry mouth or dizziness, both important in the elderly due to their increased sensitivity to medications.
What is side effect management?
In home health care, assessing the safety of the home environment can help prevent these types of common, potentially dangerous events.
What are falls?
An elderly patient experiencing weight loss may be advised to consume foods rich in these two macronutrients to support energy levels and body mass.
What are protein and fats?