What is the primary focus of geriatric nursing?

What is the primary focus of geriatric nursing?

• A. To provide treatments only for acute healthcare issues
• B. To administer medications exclusively to older adults
• C. To provide holistic care that addresses the unique needs of older adults
• D. To conduct only physical assessments

Answer: (C)

The primary focus of geriatric nursing is to provide holistic care that addresses the unique needs of older adults. This approach recognizes that older adults often face a variety of challenges, including not only physical health issues but also psychosocial, emotional, and environmental factors that can impact their overall well-being. Holistic care in geriatric nursing involves understanding the individual’s life experiences, preferences, and the complexities of aging. It aims to promote the highest quality of life possible by addressing cognitive functions, emotional well-being, and social interactions that are crucial for the elder population. This patient-centered approach helps nurses tailor interventions, support, and education to the varying needs of older adults, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and a better quality of life. In contrast, focusing solely on acute healthcare issues ignores the broader context of geriatric patients’ lives and their long-term care needs. Administering medications is a vital task, but it alone does not encompass the complete care required for older individuals. Conducting only physical assessments would miss key factors such as mental health, social supports, and functional abilities, which are essential components of comprehensive geriatric care.

The primary focus of geriatric nursing is to provide holistic care that addresses the unique needs of older adults. This approach recognizes that older adults often face a variety of challenges, including not only physical health issues but also psychosocial, emotional, and environmental factors that can impact their overall well-being.

Holistic care in geriatric nursing involves understanding the individual’s life experiences, preferences, and the complexities of aging. It aims to promote the highest quality of life possible by addressing cognitive functions, emotional well-being, and social interactions that are crucial for the elder population. This patient-centered approach helps nurses tailor interventions, support, and education to the varying needs of older adults, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and a better quality of life.

In contrast, focusing solely on acute healthcare issues ignores the broader context of geriatric patients’ lives and their long-term care needs. Administering medications is a vital task, but it alone does not encompass the complete care required for older individuals. Conducting only physical assessments would miss key factors such as mental health, social supports, and functional abilities, which are essential components of comprehensive geriatric care.