Exam 4: Gerontologic Assessment

An older patient is hospitalized after a fall that resulted in a fractured left ankle.By day 4 of the hospitalization,which includes reduction of the fracture and analgesic drug therapy,the patient has become mildly disoriented and is incontinent of urine.The nurse explains to the family that these symptoms reflect the:

When unsure about how to address older patients with advanced stage Alzheimer disease,the nurse recognizes that it is best to address the patient by:

To best minimize patient anxiety and help ensure a successful history assessment interview,the geriatric nurse first: