Pain management is a priority in geriatric nursing from "summary" of Basic Geriatric Nursing - E-Book by Patricia A. Williams
One of the most important aspects of caring for older adults is managing their pain effectively. Pain is a common experience for many older adults, and it can have a significant impact on their quality of life. In fact, studies have shown that up to 50% of older adults living in the community and 80% of older adults living in long-term care facilities experience chronic pain. Effective pain management is crucial in geriatric nursing because older adults may have multiple comorbidities and take multiple medications, which can complicate pain management. Older adults may also have age-related changes in their bodies that can affect how they experience and respond to pain. For example, older adults may have decreased sensitivity to pain, making it difficult for them to accurately report their pain levels. They may also have decreased liver and kidney function, which can affect how medications are metabolized and excreted from their bodies. In addition, older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects of pain medications, such as falls, confusion, and gastrointestinal issues. This makes it important for nurses to carefully assess and monitor older adults' pain levels and response to pain medications. Nurses must also collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as physicians, physical therapists, and pharmacists, to develop a comprehensive pain management plan for older adults. Pain management in geriatric nursing is not just about prescribing medications; it also involves non-pharmacological interventions, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and complementary and alternative therapies. These interventions can help older adults manage their pain without the use of medications or with lower doses of medications, reducing the risk of side effects.- Pain management is a priority in geriatric nursing because it can improve older adults' quality of life, functional status, and emotional well-being. By effectively managing older adults' pain, nurses can help them maintain their independence, mobility, and social connections, allowing them to age with dignity and comfort.
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