Case Scenario: Mrs. Elaine Carter, a 75-year-old woman, pres…

Case Scenario: Mrs. Elaine Carter, a 75-year-old woman, presents to the clinic with her daughter for a routine health check-up. Her daughter reports that Mrs. Carter has become more withdrawn over the past six months, often forgetting recent events and missing meals. Mrs. Carter lives alone, walks with a cane, and has a history of hypertension and osteoarthritis. She reports feeling “tired all the time” and mentions occasional dizziness when standing up. She enjoys gardening but has stopped due to joint pain. Her diet consists mostly of convenience foods, and she admits that she sometimes forgets to drink water throughout the day. During the visit, the nurse assesses Mrs. Carter’s physical, mental, and social health. Vital signs are stable except for mild orthostatic hypotension. Mrs. Carter scores 24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), indicating mild cognitive impairment. The nurse notes that her BMI is 22, and she has decreased muscle tone in her lower extremities. The nurse plans care using the Healthy People 2030 goals for older adults and integrates psychosocial and physical health strategies to support Mrs. Carter’s well-being.