Patient assessment

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:

1. What questions should you as the patient/family ask to further assess?
2. What screening tools would be appropriate in this case?
3. Do you have concerns with frailty in this patient?  If so, why?
4. What referrals should be made, if any, on this patient?

Provide references.