1. Describe the elements of a comprehensive health assessment of a geriatric patient. What special considerations should the nurse keep in mind while performing this assessment?

2. End-of-life care becomes an issue at some point for elderly clients. Even with the emergence of palliative care programs and hospice programs, the majority of elderly people do not die in their own home as is their preference. What are the reasons for this trend? Discuss what you can do as a nurse to support your clients in end-of-life care and in supporting their desires. Support your response with evidence-based literature.

3. In this assignment, you will be completing a health assessment on an older adult. To complete this assignment, do the following:

1. Perform a health history on an older adult. Students who do not work in an acute setting may "practice" these skills with a patient, community member, neighbor, friend, colleague, or loved one. (If an older individual is not available, you may choose a younger individual).

2. Complete a physical examination of the client using the "Individual Health History and Examination Assignment" resource. Use the "Functional Health Pattern Assessment" resource as a guideline to assist you in completing the template.

3. Document findings of complete physical examination in Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) format. Refer to the sample SBAR Template located on the National Nurse Leadership Council website at

4. Document the findings of the physical examination in the assessment worksheet.

5. Using the "Individual Health History and Examination Assignment" resource, provide the physical examination findings summary with planned interventions for the client. Include any community services in the interventions.