In a comprehensive geriatric assessment, which area should the nurse focus on to determine the patient's level of independence?

In a comprehensive geriatric assessment, which area should the nurse focus on to determine the patient's level of independence?

• A. Medical diagnoses
• B. Functional ability
• C. Living arrangements
• D. Socioeconomic status

Answer: (B)

Functional ability determines independence in a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Independence is defined by what a person can do for themselves in daily life, especially activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, and transferring, as well as instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as managing medications, finances, transportation, and meal preparation. A person may have multiple medical diagnoses, but if they can perform these tasks without help, they are functionally independent. Conversely, someone with fewer medical issues may still require assistance if their functional abilities are limited. Living arrangements and socioeconomic status influence safety and access to support, but they do not measure the person's current capability to perform daily tasks. Therefore, focusing on functional ability provides the most direct indication of the patient’s level of independence and helps plan support needs, services, and safety measures.

Functional ability determines independence in a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Independence is defined by what a person can do for themselves in daily life, especially activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, and transferring, as well as instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as managing medications, finances, transportation, and meal preparation. A person may have multiple medical diagnoses, but if they can perform these tasks without help, they are functionally independent. Conversely, someone with fewer medical issues may still require assistance if their functional abilities are limited.

Living arrangements and socioeconomic status influence safety and access to support, but they do not measure the person's current capability to perform daily tasks. Therefore, focusing on functional ability provides the most direct indication of the patient’s level of independence and helps plan support needs, services, and safety measures.