An 85-year-old man has been hospitalized after a fall at home, and his 86-year-old wife is at his bedside. She tells the nurse that she is his primary caregiver. What should the nurse assess the patient's wife for as a sign of possible caregiver burnout?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Caregiver burden is the perceived strain by the person who cares for an older adult or for a person who is chronically ill or disabled. Caregiver burnout is linked to the caregiver's ability to cope and handle stress. Signs of possible caregiver burnout include multiple somatic complaints, increased stress and anxiety, social isolation, depression, and weight loss. Screening caregivers for depression may also be appropriate.

An 85-Year-Old Man Has Been Hospitalized After a Fall at Home