Ask About the Animals

News
Article

I work with frail, elderly patients who generally have few--if any-- living relatives. During their initial physical evaluation, I always ask them if they have any pets.

 

I work with frail, elderly patients who generally have few-if any-living relatives. During their initial physical evaluation, I always ask them if they have any pets; then I spend time discussing their animals with them. I write down the name and type of pet so that I can refer to it on subsequent visits. This often helps patients relax and open up.

-- Kathleen Savage, MSN, ARNP, BC, A/GNP
Revere, Mass

More Pointers . . .

Newsletter

Enhance your clinical practice with the Patient Care newsletter, offering the latest evidence-based guidelines, diagnostic insights, and treatment strategies for primary care physicians.

Recent Videos
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.