Final answer:
When interviewing an older adult patient, nurses must assess chronic symptoms, conduct a complete drug assessment, evaluate functional capacity, and take a thorough family history to ensure a comprehensive health evaluation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When interviewing an older adult patient, the nurse must include questions that assess a variety of age-related issues. These include chronic symptoms, a complete drug assessment, an assessment of functional capacity, and family history. As individuals age, their cells undergo changes leading to a decline in function. Multiple factors contribute to these changes, including but not limited to biological, social, and psychological elements.
Chronic symptoms can indicate ongoing health issues that necessitate long-term management strategies. A complete drug assessment ensures that any medications the patient is taking are not causing adverse effects or interactions that may exacerbate other conditions. Functional capacity assessments help determine if the patient can perform daily activities independently, which is key to their overall well-being and can guide healthcare decisions. Lastly, understanding a patient's family history can provide insights into potential hereditary conditions or predispositions, helping to tailor preventative care or treatments. Therefore, all these aspects are crucial for a comprehensive health evaluation of an elderly patient.