Which conditions are likely to cause an older adult chronic pain? (Select all that apply.)
a. Hip replacement
b. Bone metastasis
c. Hypoproteinemia
d. Migraine headache
e. Compression fracture
f. Postherpetic neuralgia
B, E, F
Bone metastasis is likely to cause an older adult chronic pain because it is extremely difficult to eradicate cancer metastasis from bone. In addition, the invasion of cancer into bone can be very painful as a result of tumor growth pressing on nerves. Compression fractures are likely to cause chronic pain because the compressed vertebra is likely to press on spinal nerves, causing muscle spasms. Postherpetic neuralgia is a result of nerve damage from shingles and is likely to cause chronic pain; it is very difficult to treat effectively. A hip replacement is performed to relieve chronic pain or to repair a fracture and is more likely to cause acute pain. Hypoproteinemia is unlikely to cause chronic pain but is more likely to cause fatigue. A migraine headache is likely to cause acute, intense pain. Although headaches can be recurrent, they are usually time limited.
You might also like to view...
A nurse has returned to a patient's hospital room for a follow-up assessment during the intravenous infusion of vancomycin. What assessment finding would signal the nurse to the possibility that the patient's infusion is running too quickly?
A) The patient is flushed and has a visible skin rash. B) The patient's apical heart rate is irregular. C) The patient is difficult to rouse and has dilated pupils. D) The patient complains of pain at the intravenous access site.
A nurse assesses a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. The client's arterial blood gas values are pH 7.34, PaO2 88 mm Hg, PaCO2 38 mm Hg, and HCO3- 19 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse perform first?
a. Cardiac rate and rhythm b. Skin and mucous membranes c. Musculoskeletal strength d. Level of orientation
A 44-year-old male presents to the emergency room with the "worst headache of his life." He is holding his head and appears severely distressed. This is a patient symptom that should prompt a clinician to look for signs of a:
A. Migraine headache B. Subdural hematoma C. Subarachnoid haemorrhage D. Brain tumor
The nurse in the pediatric oncology unit is working with a family whose toddler has been diagnosed with leukemia. The nurse can best assist the family to deal with this extrinsic stressor by doing which of the following?
a. Setting treatment goals for them until they are able to do so themselves b. Encouraging them to talk about their concerns c. Discussing relaxation techniques such as guided imagery with them d. Asking them if they would like to meet with a member of a pediatric oncology support group