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Pain Management in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults
Kristine Cara Santos1, Elizabeth Durkee-Neuman2, Adeline Ong3
1Kristine Cara Santos, DNP, RN: Nurse practitioner, Evergreen Health, Kirkland, WA.
International Journal of Nursing and Health Care Research
|June 26, 2024
Summary
Identifying and managing pain in older adults with major neurocognitive disorder is difficult. Nurses are crucial for using assessment tools and interventions to improve pain management in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Pain Management
Background:
- Pain assessment and management in older adults with major neurocognitive disorder (MND) presents significant challenges.
- Communication barriers and unfamiliarity with patient baseline conditions complicate accurate pain identification.
- Healthcare providers require specialized training to address pain in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the difficulties in pain identification and management for cognitively impaired older adults.
- To emphasize the need for effective pain assessment tools and prompt interventions.
- To underscore the critical role of nurses in improving pain care for patients with MND.
Main Methods:
- Review of current challenges in pain assessment for patients with MND.
- Discussion of essential components for effective pain management strategies.
- Emphasis on the importance of evidence-based tools and nursing education.
Main Results:
- Effective pain management requires distinguishing pain behaviors from dementia symptoms.
- Utilizing validated assessment tools is crucial for accurate pain identification.
- Prompt administration of interventions and medications is necessary.
Conclusions:
- Nurses are pivotal in implementing evidence-based pain assessment tools.
- Training nurses enhances their skills in identifying and managing pain in older adults with MND.
- Continuous support and education empower nurses to improve pain management outcomes.
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