Comprehensive Health Assessment

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Week 5 DQ1 The elements that should be included in a comprehensive health assessment for a geriatric patient are the clients past medical history, family history, comorbid conditions and severity as well as current problem list. Current medications should be reviewed in detail, as well as a head to toe physical of all systems. (Ward & Rubin, 2013) The physical exam is an excellent opportunity to check the aging clients hearing and vision. It is also an opportunity to do a cognitive assessment, and assess for bruises or injuries that could indicate an unsteady gait or elder abuse. The clients weight and appearance are an indicator of nutritional status, loose fitting clothing could indicate recent or sudden weight loss, eating habits and dental issues should be assessed, as well as who is preparing the meals. Other activities of daily living should be examined including grooming and hygiene, urinary continence should be assessed at this time, and how much assistance is needed. Sexual function and relationship status should assessed, if the client is sexually active it is important to determine if the client is monogamous and in a long term relationship, as STD’s are on the rise with seniors. (Jameson, 2011) A thorough assessment of the clients ability to perform daily activities should be done, questions should include if the client can walk without problems and how far (at some point during the exam the client should be observed to objectively assess gait), does the client exercise and if so how long and how often, and if there is pain during exercise. The cognitive assessment should also include a mood/depression evaluation; questions should include recent family or friend losses, sleeping patterns, spirituality, feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and social interaction. (Ward & Rubin, 2013) A safety and environmental assessment should be

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