The nurse attempts to help an 86-year-old patient describe his pain because the nurse is aware the older adult may not express pain because they:.
fear taking pain medication.
are reluctant to bother the nursing staff.
are unaware of their discomfort.
have been culturally trained not to complain.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Some older adults may indeed have concerns about taking pain medication, but this is not a primary reason for their hesitance to express pain. The fear of taking medication is not a universal characteristic of older adults.
Choice B rationale:
While older adults may be reluctant to bother nursing staff, this is not the primary reason for their reluctance to express pain. It is a consideration but not the main factor.
Choice C rationale:
The unawareness of discomfort is not a common reason for older adults to avoid expressing pain. Most older adults are aware of their discomfort but may not express it for other reasons.
Choice D rationale:
Older adults may have been culturally trained not to complain about pain or discomfort. In some cultures, stoicism and not burdening others with one's pain are highly valued. This cultural training can lead older adults to underreport their pain.
Choice E rationale:
Believing pain is a natural consequence of aging is a misconception, but it is not the primary reason why older adults may not express their pain. They may believe this, but cultural and societal factors have a more significant impact.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Offering an ice pack to place on the neck would not be an appropriate response in this situation. The patient has already complained that the ice massage is making the pain worse, so providing additional cold application may exacerbate their discomfort.
Choice B rationale:
The most helpful response in this scenario is to acknowledge the patient's discomfort and stop the cold application. Not everyone responds positively to cold therapy, and it's essential to respect the patient's feedback and provide alternative methods for pain relief.
Choice C rationale:
Alternating hot and cold applications may be helpful for some patients, but in this case, the patient has already expressed that the ice massage is exacerbating their pain. Suggesting this approach without addressing the patient's immediate concern is not appropriate.
Choice D rationale:
While it's true that the discomfort from the ice massage may subside in a few minutes, it's important to prioritize the patient's comfort and address their pain immediately. Continuing an intervention that is causing increased pain is not in the patient's best interest.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for an extended period, typically more than 3-6 months, and is often associated with conditions like arthritis. Severe arthritis is a common cause of chronic pain, as it persists over a long duration.
Choice B rationale:
Episodic pain refers to pain that occurs intermittently, with pain-free intervals in between. This term is not appropriate for describing the continuous discomfort associated with severe arthritis.
Choice C rationale:
Phantom pain is the sensation of pain in a body part that has been amputated or lost, which is not relevant to a patient with severe arthritis.
Choice D rationale:
Acute pain is typically short-term and results from a specific injury or illness. It is not the appropriate term for describing the long-lasting pain associated with severe arthritis.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
