Final answer:
A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a multidisciplinary evaluation used to assess life expectancy and risk of morbidity and mortality in older patients. It evaluates various areas such as functional status, socioeconomic issues, psychosocial distress, comorbidities, cognitive function, nutritional status, polypharmacy, and medication review. The CGA is not specific to older cancer patients, and it is mentioned in the NCCN Older Adult Oncology Guidelines, version 1.2015.
Step-by-step explanation:
A) The purpose of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is to evaluate and assess the life expectancy and risk of morbidity and mortality in older patients. This assessment tool takes into account various areas such as functional status, socioeconomic issues, psychosocial distress, comorbidities, cognitive function, nutritional status, polypharmacy, and medication review.
B) The key areas evaluated in a CGA include functional status (ability to perform daily activities), socioeconomic issues (financial and social support), psychosocial distress (emotional well-being), comorbidities (existing medical conditions), cognitive function (memory and thinking abilities), nutritional status (dietary intake and body composition), polypharmacy (the use of multiple medications), and medication review (evaluation of the appropriateness and safety of medications).
C) No, the CGA is not used only for older cancer patients. It can be used for any older patient who requires a comprehensive evaluation of their overall health and well-being.
D) The version of the NCCN guidelines that mentions the CGA is the Older Adult Oncology Guidelines, version 1.2015.