What are some ways you as the nurse can utilize to determine pain in the older adult?

Week 4: Nursing the Aging Family Part One

When assessing for pain in older adults, it is important to take into consideration the patient’s individual needs and circumstances. The following are some ways that a nurse could determine if an older person is suffering from pain.

Watching the body language of the patient, including their facial expressions or posture. You can determine if a patient shows signs of discomfort by observing their body language, including facial expressions and posture. Asking questions about the pain can also provide information on what kind of pain is being experienced and its intensity.

The use of validated tools, such as the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale (PAINAD), can be useful in determining pain intensity. This is because it allows you to avoid relying on the verbal communication of elderly patients with cognitive impairment.

Tracking vital signs, laboratory results and responses to the interventions that are used to relieve discomfort provide further information which can help to identify areas for concern. These must then be dealt with accordingly. While it might require more effort from the nurse, these strategies help ensure that all areas are covered when assessing elderly patients for pain. This allows appropriate care to be given at all times.