Final answer:
In interviewing an older adult client, a nurse should make detailed notes on the client's medical history, current symptoms, mood changes, and cognitive functioning, using assessment tools like the three-word recall test to aid in understanding the impact and severity of the symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When interviewing an older adult client, a nurse should plan to take detailed notes that may include the client's medical history, current symptoms, and any significant life changes that could affect their health. This may involve noting any history of anxiety, recent diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, and the loss of a partner, along with symptoms such as decreased appetite, low energy levels, insomnia, and memory loss. Additionally, the nurse should be attentive to any difficulties the client is experiencing with daily tasks like bill paying and budget management, as these can be indicative of the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's and other conditions.
Observations regarding mood changes and general cognitive functioning, possibly utilizing exercises like the three-word recall test, are also important for a comprehensive assessment. Through a careful interview process and possibly conducting a mental status examination, the healthcare provider can better understand the severity and impact of the symptoms, distinguishing between the effects of normal aging and those which may warrant a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or other conditions impacting memory and cognitive health.