An older client who refuses medication for pain is irritable and unable to sleep. What should the nurse explain to the client to encourage the use of pain medication?

Question

1. There are high-dose medications that will eradicate the pain.
2. The lack of pain control is causing the inability to sleep.
3. The lack of pain control is causing irritability.
4. The risks of taking pain medication are low in the older population.
5. The lack of pain control will affect mobility and activity tolerance.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2, 3, 5
Rationale 1: When planning pharmacologic intervention for an older client, the approach should be to start low and go slow because of the effects on renal and liver function.
Rationale 2: If pain is not effectively controlled in the older client, the ability to sleep will be affected.
Rationale 3: If pain is not effectively controlled in the older client, irritability can occur.
Rationale 4: When planning pharmacologic intervention for an older client, the nurse must assess the client for potential risks because of changes in organ and system functioning.
Rationale 5: If pain is not effectively controlled in the older client, mobility and activity tolerance will be affected.