The nurse is preparing to perform a functional assessment of an older patient. What is an appropriate approach for the nurse to take?

A. Although the medical record can provide background information, it does not give the real-time assessment of the patient's current functional abilities. B. While this information can be valuable, observing the patient directly provides the most accurate assessment of his abilities. C. The physician’s perspective is important but may not fully capture the patient's day-to-day functional capacity. D. Direct observation allows the nurse to assess the patient’s current functional status and make necessary adjustments to the care plan.