An elderly patient with a controlled cut on her hand is responding slowly. What should you do?

Allowing adequate time for the elderly patient to respond is crucial, especially given her age and the fact that she has a controlled cut on her hand. Elderly patients often take longer to process information and may need more time to communicate effectively. By patiently waiting for her responses, you show respect for her situation and provide her with the opportunity to engage at her own pace.

In addition, a controlled cut implies that she is stable and not in immediate distress, allowing the space for a more thoughtful interaction. Quickening the pace or prompting her with yes or no questions may add unnecessary pressure and could inhibit her ability to respond comfortably.

This approach also supports comprehensive assessment: by allowing time for responses, you can better gauge her mental status and any potential underlying issues without jumping to conclusions or making hasty judgments about her condition.