Evaluating 78 year old white male for weight loss
You are evaluating a 78 year old white male who comes to your office today with unintentional weight loss of 10lb in the last year, self-reported exhaustion weakness based on grip strength, and slow walking speed, and low physical activity. 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 they are 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:
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- What questions should you as the patient/family to further assess?
- What screening tools would be appropriate in this case?
- Do you have concerns with fraility in this patient? If so why?
- What referrals should be made if any on this patient?