The nurse is obtaining a personal history for a 72-year-old patient admitted to a long-term care facility. The nurse notices that the patient seems depressed. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend be included in the patient's plan of care?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reminiscing about the past with a focus on the positives can be a therapeutic intervention for older adults who may be experiencing depression. This technique is known as reminiscence therapy and has been shown to improve mood and overall well-being in older adults. Telling the patient to look forward and not back may not address the root cause of their depression. Reminding the patient to be accepting of help from family members may also be helpful, but it may not be enough to address the depression. Explaining to the patient that some level of depression is normal with aging may normalize their experience, but it may not offer any practical interventions to help alleviate the depression.

The Nurse Is Obtaining a Personal History for a 72-Year-Old