The nurse caring for a 74-year-old man who has just returned to ...

[Ebrown]

The nurse caring for a 74-year-old man who has just returned to the surgical unit following surgery for a total knee replacement received report from the PACU.
 
  Part of the report had been passed on from the preoperative assessment, in which the patient stated that he has gotten confused in the past when he takes pain medications. The nurse should recognize which of the following principles of pain management among older adults?
  A) The elderly may require lower doses of medication and are easily confused with new medications.
  B) The elderly may have altered absorption and metabolism, which prohibits the use of opioids.
  C) The elderly may be confused following surgery, a fact that is related to normal aging and unrelated to the medication.
  D) The elderly may require a higher initial dose of pain medication followed by a tapered dose.

Question 2

Nonpharmacologic pain relief measures have been ineffective to reduce an older patient's pain to promote sleep. What should the nurse do next?
 
  A) Provide a trial of opioids
  B) Give the strongest dosage of analgesic and gradually decrease as necessary
  C) Administer the lowest dosage of analgesic and gradually increase as necessary
  D) Offer the lowest dosage of analgesic and give only when requested by the patient

[mbcrismon]

Answer to Question 1

A

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
When providing pharmacologic pain relief prior to sleep it is advisable to always begin with the weakest type and dosage of analgesic and gradually increase as necessary. Analgesics should be administered regularly to maintain a constant blood level; fear of addiction should not be a factor in appropriately using analgesics to assist patients with pain relief.