A nurse is performing screening assessments for active older adult clients at a community clinic. Which of the following tests should the nurse include in the screening?

Choice A reason: The CAGE Questionnaire screens for alcohol misuse, useful for some older adults, but not broad mental health. Active seniors may face depression or anxiety more than substance issues. This test is too narrow for general screening, so it’s not the best choice. Choice B reason: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) assesses mood in older adults, tailored to their life stage, detecting common issues like depression in active seniors. It’s broad, validated, and fits community screening goals, making it the most appropriate test here. Choice C reason: The Denver Developmental Screening Test evaluates child development, not adult mental health, irrelevant for older clients. It focuses on milestones, not mood or cognition in aging. This mismatch renders it unsuitable for this population. Choice D reason: The Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale targets pain in severe cognitive decline, not active older adults with likely intact function. It’s too specific for broad screening, missing mental health focus, so it’s not the right tool.