Based on the following clinical encounter, what is the most critical underlying risk that the physician should assess for, and why is this specific type of appointment a crucial opportunity for intervention?

Assessing Risk in a Geriatric Patient

Older white Americans have the highest rates of suicide. Two-fifths of older adults who committed suicide visited their primary care physician in the past week and about three-quarters did so in the past month.

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Older adults are most commonly are diagnosed with depression, anxiety, insomnia, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and dementia. 

Common Mental Health Conditions in Geriatric Adults

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Psychology and aging: Psychologists make a significant contribution. American Psychological Association. Retrieved April 6, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/pi/aging/resources/guides/psychology-and-aging. 

Psychology and Aging: Psychologists Make a Significant Contribution

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Generally speaking, anxiety is a reaction by the body that ensues negative internal experiences such as negative thoughts or feelings. Physical changes may also follow, such as an increase in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, trembling, and so on.

Anxiety

Dementia is characterized by memory loss and impairment of mental functioning that. Depression, paranoia, anxiety, confusion, and wandering are symptoms of the illness.

Dementia

Alcohol abuse is responsible for one in eight deaths among older Americans. It is predicted that there will be an increase in illicit drug use and alcohol abuse among the baby boomer cohort as many have showcased addiction to prescription medication in the past.

Substance Abuse in Geriatric People 

Suicide in Geriatric People

Geriatric nurses undergo chronic lack of time, irregular worktime, limiting career growth, disruptive patients and patient families, and stressors from losing patients. Altogether, this leads to anger, anxiety, depression, and frustration.

Common Mental Conditions in Geriatric Nurses

It is a mental disorder that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medication. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, with addiction being the most powerful form of SUDs.

Substance Use Disorder

Insomnia, the most prevalent sleep disorder, is characterized by a persistent difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep. Individuals with this condition often experience significant delays before falling asleep and may wake up frequently during the night, struggling to resume sleep. According to diagnostic criteria, these sleep disturbances must occur at least three nights a week for a minimum of one month.

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