What should be assessed if an older adult presents with early satiety and epigastric pain?

When an older adult presents with early satiety and epigastric pain, the most appropriate assessment focuses on medication side effects due to the commonality of polypharmacy in this age group. Many older adults take multiple medications, and some of these can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, abdominal discomfort, and alterations in appetite. It's essential to review the patient's medication regimen to identify any drugs that might cause these symptoms, such as opioids or certain antihypertensives.

Assessing medication side effects is particularly crucial in this population since they may not always report these effects unless specifically questioned. This proactive approach aids in managing and alleviating the symptoms by adjusting or changing medications if necessary.

While other issues such as food allergies, gastrointestinal obstruction, and potential malignancy are certainly worth considering, especially in the context of new or worsening symptoms, medication side effects are often more immediately relevant in the older adult population due to their high incidence and the significant impact they can have on a patient's quality of life and overall health status. Therefore, starting the assessment with an evaluation of medications would be the most prudent approach.