Assessment in Geriatrics

Bivin Jay B, MSNMar Baselios College of Nursing

Kothamangalam

Introduction • Assessment ranges from simple screening

tests to in-depth evaluations• Health assessment include health history,

physical examination & lab investigations• Many structured assessment formats/tools

are available• Interviewing an elder– Prepare the physical settings– Establish the rapport– Structure the interview

Major screening recommendations

Screening tests Recommendations Blood pressure Every clinical

examination/ q1-2 yrClinical breast examination

Annually (if >40 Yrs)

Mammogram q1-2 yrs if 50-69 yrsq1-3 yrs if 70-85+ yrs

Pelvic exam/Pap smear

q2-3 yrs; (after 3 –ve tests, can decrease)

Screening tests Recommendations Cholesterol Every 5 yrRectal examination Annually (if >40 Yrs)Fecal occult blood Annually (if >50 Yrs)Sigmoidoscopy Annually (if >50 Yrs)Prostrate examination q3-5 yr (if <50 Yrs)

Annually (if >50 Yrs)Tests for hearing/ vision/thyroid/EKG/Glucose etc

Periodically

Exam of heart/lungs/ skin etc

Periodically

Physical Examination

System-wise

Psychological assessment • Cornell scale for depression and

dementia• Short test for dementia• Functional activities questionnaire• Clinical dementia rating scale• Information questionnaire on

cognitive decline in the elderly• Confusion assessment method

Reference• Wold GH (2008) Basic Geriatric

Nursing, 4th Ed., Missouri, Mosby Elsevier Inc.