An elderly patient is admitted for abdominal pain. The nurse assesses withdrawal, somatic complaints, and continued, unrelieved pain. What nursing action is indicated?
1. Request an anti-anxiety medication
2. Contact the family to intervene
3. Assess for signs and symptoms of depression
4. Obtain an order for stronger pain medication
3. Assess for signs and symptoms of depression
Explanation: 1. Further assessment is required to determine patient's current needs.
2. The family may be ineffective in meeting the patient's psychological needs.
3. The major signs of depression in the older person include multiple somatic complaints and reports of persistent chronic pain.
4. Obtaining different pain medication would not treat potential psychological problems.
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