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When planning care for the older adult experiencing pain, the nurse bases interventions on the
realization that:
a. generally pain control is less effective than it is for younger adults.
b. this cohort is less pain sensitive than younger adults.
c. older adults are more likely to verbally express pain than younger adults.
d. pain is undertreated in this cohort compared to younger adults. - ANSWER - d. pain is
undertreated in this cohort compared to younger adults.
An older patient is observed grimacing whenever walking and getting in and out of bed. When
assessed, the patient regularly denies having any pain. To best provide the patient with effective
pain control, the nurse initially:
a. discusses the effects of untreated pain on the patients general wellness.
b. offers the patient a prescribed prn analgesic.
c. asks the patient why he is denying the presence of pain.
d. documents the symptoms that the patient is exhibiting. - ANSWER - a. discusses the effects
of untreated pain on the patients general wellness.
An older adult patient has been prescribed an opioid to manage chronic pain resulting from a
shoulder injury. To eliminate a common barrier to opioid drug compliance, the nurse:
a. encourages the patient to use the opioid only as prescribed.
, b. educates the patient about the appropriate management of constipation.
c. assures the patient that dizziness will decrease as therapeutic levels are reached.
d. suggests the patient take the medication with meals or a snack. - ANSWER - b. educates the
patient about the appropriate management of constipation.
The nurse is discussing pain control with an older patient who has been prescribed an opiate.
When the patient expresses concerns about the diminishing effect that the medication has had
on the pain, the nurse responds:
a. It appears that the dosage you take needs to be adjusted upward.
b. We need to be concerned about you developing a drug tolerance.
c. This drug category is well known for its low ceiling effect.
d. Opiate addiction is a concern when tolerance occurs. - ANSWER - a. It appears that the
dosage you take needs to be adjusted upward.
The nurse caring for an older adult patient experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome anticipates the
patient will best achieve pain control when prescribed a(n):
a. narcotic (e.g., fentanyl).
b. opioid (e.g., oxycodone).
c. tricyclic antidepressant (e.g., amitriptyline [Elavil]).
d. nonpharmacologic strategy (e.g., wrist bracing). - ANSWER - c. tricyclic antidepressant (e.g.,
amitriptyline [Elavil]).