What additional symptoms should the nurse monitor in an older adult with suspected alcohol use?

Monitoring excessive mood swings in an older adult with suspected alcohol use is important because alcohol can significantly impact mood and cognitive function. It is common for individuals who consume alcohol excessively to experience fluctuations in mood due to its effects on neurotransmitter systems in the brain. These mood swings can indicate mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, which may be exacerbated by alcohol use.

Additionally, older adults may have varying tolerance to alcohol, and the physiological changes that come with aging can lead to increased sensitivity to its effects, potentially resulting in unpredictable emotional responses. Thus, observing for mood changes allows the healthcare provider to assess the impact of alcohol use on the patient’s psychological state and to implement appropriate interventions or referrals for mental health support if needed.

Weight loss, severe pain, and high blood pressure may also be associated with alcohol use but are not as directly indicative of its immediate effects on mood and behavior. While important, these symptoms could stem from a variety of other health issues and do not specifically reflect the psychological impact of alcohol consumption as strongly as mood swings do.