AANP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification ExamPlanEasy
A 68-year-old male presents for his annual physical examination. He has a history of hypertension and dyslipidemia, both well-controlled with medication. He is a former smoker but quit 10 years ago. He reports no new complaints. Which of the following is the most appropriate health maintenance screening for this patient at this visit?
- AAnnual colonoscopy
- BCarotid artery ultrasound
- CScreening for depression
- DProstate-specific antigen (PSA) screening
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Screening for depression
Screening for depression using a validated tool is recommended for all adults, especially in the elderly population where depression can be underdiagnosed and significantly impact quality of life. This is a routine part of health maintenance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Annual colonoscopy is not indicated; screening guidelines typically recommend colonoscopy every 10 years for average risk individuals, or more frequently if high risk, not annually.
- B. Carotid artery ultrasound is not recommended for asymptomatic individuals as a routine screening measure due to lack of evidence for benefit and potential for harm from unnecessary interventions.
- D. PSA screening for prostate cancer is a shared decision-making process, typically discussed for men aged 55-69, but not a universal recommendation for all men over 68 and often not the 'most appropriate' initial screening without specific symptoms or risk factors.
Adult Depression Screening
Routine screening for depression in adults is a recommended preventative service to identify and address mental health concerns early.
- Recommended for all adults, including pregnant and postpartum women.
- Utilize validated screening tools (e.g., PHQ-2, PHQ-9).
- Follow up positive screens with a comprehensive assessment.
Memory trick: Elderly patients NEED Mental Health Checks.