Answer the noted questions.
You are evaluating a 78-year-old white male who comes to your office today with unintentional weight loss of 10 lb in the last year, self-reported exhaustion weakness based on grip strength, and slow walking speed, and low physical activity. Patient notes that he has been feeling worse over the past 6 months and just does not have the strength to do anything anymore. The patient states he is not currently on any medications except a multivitamin. He notes that he lives alone and does not want to leave his house. Answer the following questions with supportive rationale:
- What questions should you as the patient/family ask to further assess?
- What screening tools would be appropriate in this case?
- Do you have concerns with frailty in this patient? If so, why?
- What referrals should be made, if any, on this patient?
Provide references.
