Question

The nurse is completing an assessment on an older-adult patient who is having difficulty falling asleep. Which condition will the nurse further assess for in this patient?

a. Depression
b. Mild fatigue
c. Hypertension
d. Hypothyroidism

Answer 1

The nurse should assess for depression and hypothyroidism, with hypothyroidism being the most likely condition related to difficulty falling asleep, weight gain, and fatigue, especially considering a potential deficiency in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Step-by-step explanation:

The questionnaire presented is aimed at determining the potential underlying health condition of an older adult with difficulty falling asleep. Of the options provided, depression and hypothyroidism are conditions that are commonly associated with sleep disturbances such as insomnia. Depression can lead to early-morning wakefulness or hypersomnia, while hypothyroidism is often associated with symptoms like fatigue and a need for an increased amount of sleep, yet difficulty in falling asleep.

Given the provided context, which includes weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping, along with the mention of a potential deficiency in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), hypothyroidism is the condition that the nurse would most likely assess for in this patient. Insufficient levels of TSH lead to hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by decreased metabolism and symptoms such as weight gain and fatigue, due to the thyroid gland not producing sufficient thyroid hormones.