Mrs. Nguyen, a 79-year-old woman, presents to the clinic accompanied by her daughter, who reports that her mother is "not herself lately." Over the past several weeks, Mrs. Nguyen has stopped attending her church group, has expressed feelings of hopelessness, and has unintentionally lost 8 pounds. She denies sadness but admits to feeling "tired all the time." Her past medical history includes hypertension and osteoarthritis. Which nursing action is most appropriate based on this presentation?

A. Educate the daughter about anticipatory grief and recommend bereavement counseling: The presentation (withdrawal, weight loss, hopelessness, fatigue) is suggestive of possible late-life depression and warrants screening before attributing to grief. B. Administer the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) to screen for late-life depression and collaborate with the provider for further evaluation: Older adults often present with somatic and withdrawal symptoms rather than overt sadness; validated screening (GDS) and provider follow-up are indicated. C. Collaborate with the provider for further evaluation: Good step but best paired with an evidence-based screening tool first. D. Perform a brief cognitive screening tool, as memory loss is the primary concern: Cognitive screening can be useful but the presenting features (anergy, weight loss, social withdrawal, hopelessness) point more toward depression than primary cognitive decline. E. Reassure the family that withdrawal is a normal part of aging and recommend increased social activity: Requires follow-up education - social withdrawal and unintentional weight loss are not simply normal aging and should be evaluated.