What colorectal screening method should the nurse practitioner recommend for an 84-year-old patient who has not had a colonoscopy in 10 years?

In considering the appropriate colorectal screening method for an 84-year-old patient who has not had a colonoscopy in 10 years, it's essential to evaluate several factors, including the patient’s overall health, comorbidities, life expectancy, and the potential risks versus benefits of screening.

Recommending watchful waiting can be appropriate for older adults, particularly those with a limited life expectancy or significant health issues that may raise the risks of invasive procedures like colonoscopy. In this age group, the likelihood of finding treatable lesions diminishes with advancing age and the presence of comorbidities. This approach prioritizes the patient's quality of life and minimizes unnecessary interventions that might not alter outcomes.

While a colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening and offers the ability to diagnose and treat issues at the same time, the risks associated with the procedure, such as complications from sedation or perforation, may outweigh the benefits for some elderly patients. Similarly, fecal DNA tests and flexible sigmoidoscopy are valuable options, but they may not be as appropriate for patients who are less likely to benefit from cancer surveillance due to advanced age and health status.

Therefore, recommending watchful waiting takes into account the patient's broader health profile, aligning the approach with