Exam 2 Flashcards
acute pain
abrupt onset and lasting a short time
neuropathic pain
occurs from an abnormal processing of sensory stimuli by the central or peripheral nervous system
nociceptive pain
arises from mechanical, thermal, or chemical noxious stimuli; can be somatic or visceral
persistent pain
chronic pain that has been present for 3 months or longer
comfort
relative term; sense of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual peace and well-being
pain
unpleasant sensory and emotional experience
prevalence of pain in older adults
more than half report daily pain; difficult to determine accuracy of reported prevalence of pain in older adults; underreported due to fear of complaining; overreported due to trying to get attention
what are the different types of pain?
nociceptive and neuropathic
nociceptive pain
mechanical, thermal, and chemical
what are the different types of nociceptive pain?
somatic and visceral
somatic pain
bone or soft tissue masses; localized; throbbing, aching
visceral
disorders that cause generalized or referred pain; deep, aching
neuropathic pain
abnormal processing of sensory stimuli by central or peripheral nervous systems
what are the symptoms of neuropathic pain?
sharp, stabbing, tingling, burning, onset of high intensity
acute pain
abrupt; onset; can be severe; short duration; responses to analgesics; can develop into persistent
persistent/chronic pain
present for 3 months or longer; can be mild to severe intensity
what are the effects of unrelieved pain?
limited mobility; develop pressure ulcers; pneumonia; constipation; poor appetite resulting in malnutrition and/or dehydration
pain management
qualitative and quantitative assessment
what is included in the pain assessment?
management; open-ended questions; detailed pain history; physical; need for ongoing assessment; must ask specific questions to figure out if patient is in pain; cognitive status; cultural factors; potential barriers; pain assessment instruments
what are some pain indicators from those who are cognitively impaired?
grimacing; crying, moaning; increased vital signs; perspiration; increasing pacing, wandering, aggressive behaviors; hitting, banging on objects; splinting or guarding body parts; agitation; poorer function; change in sleeping pattern; change in appetite or intake; decreased socialization
what are some cultural factors to consider during the pain assessment?
tolerate pain without expression? dramatic expression of pain? may not acknowledge severity of discomfort
what are potential barriers when assessing pain?
knowledge deficits; inadequate pain assessment; biases or assumptions; staffing issues
what are some pain assessment instruments that can be used?
numeric rating scale; visual analog scale; mcgill pain questionaire
what are some integrative approaches to pain management?
individualize comprehensive pain management plan; identify underlying cause for pain; goals- realistic, specific, and achievable; common componnets
what are some common components that could help form an integrative approach to pain management?
complementary therapies, dietary changes, medications, comfort nursing care
what are some examples of complimentary therapies?
medications; need for nursing knowledge; patient education and counseling; acupressure; acupuncture; aromatherapy; biofeedback; chiropractic; electrical stimulation; exercises; guided imagery; heat and cold; herbal; homeopathic; hypnosis; massage; mediation; naturopathy; osteopathy; prayer; progressive relaxation; supplements; touch
what are some foods to avoid for pain? (dietary changes)
animal products; high-fat dairy products; egg yolk; beef fat; safflower; corn; sunflower; soybean; peanut oils; white flour; sugars; junk food
what are some foods to encourage for pain? (dietary changes)
green leafy vegetables; cold-water fish and fish oils; flaxseed and flaxseed oil; canola oils; walnuts; pumpkin seeds; omega-3 enhanced egg; red, purple, and blue fruits; black and green tea; red wine; chocolate and cocoa; fresh pineapple; garlic; ginger; turmeric
medication for pain in older adults
complicated; high risk of adverse effects; analgesics used appropriately and monitored closely; be slow; trial nonopioids>opioids; adjuvant medications may benefit; use narcotics carefully
what medications should you not give older adults?
meperidine; indomethacin; pentazocine; muscle relaxants
what medications should you give older adults?
acetaminophen; NSAIDs; opioids
what type of opioids can you give an older adult?
first: codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone
severe: morphine, fentanyl patches
what are the negative opioid effects on older adults?
nausea; constipation; urinary retention; pruritus; myoclonus; irregular breathing; cognitive dysfunction; addiction
what are some considerations for pain medication on older adults?
closely observe response; aim to prevent pain, not treat after; require regular reevaluation; may need to change prescription
how should you comfort an older adult patient?
listening attentively; explaining; touching; perceiving
injury
an act that results in harm
macroenvironment
elements in the larger world that affects groups of people or entire populations
microenvironment
the immediate surroundings with which a person closely interacts
restraint
anything that restricts movement, can be physical or chemical
accidents in older adults
7th leading cause of death; unintentional falls leading to ER visit; falls is the leading cause of premature institutionalization and long-term disability for older adults
infections in older adults
altered antigen-antibody response= high prevalence of chronic disease; pneumonia and flu- 8th leading cause of death; atypical symptomatology can lead to delayed diagnosis
adverse effects and accidents related to medications in older adults
altered pharmacokinetics, self-administration problems, high volume of drugs consumed; drowsiness; dizziness; 15% of geriatric admissions to hospitals are associated with drug-related problems
what is the importance of the environment to health and wellness
promote continued development, stimulation, and satisfaction enhancing psychological well-being; assessment of environment (realistic to fulfill needs)
what is the impact of aging on environmental safety and function?
older adults need safe, functional, comfortable, personal, and normalizing environment to compensate for limitations
what are some considerations for an older adult’s environment?
lighting, temperature, colors, scents, floor coverings, furniture, sensory stimulation, noise control, bathroom hazards, and psychosocial factors
how does lighting affect the older adult?
visibility, function, orientation, mood, and behavior
what are some beneficial types of lighting?
diffuse>bright; nightlight= soft red; exposure to natural light during normal day
how does temperature affect older adults?
lower than normal; decreased natural insulation; correlates with performance; sensitive to lower temperatures
what is the recommended room temperature for the older adult?
75 degrees
what are older adults diagnosed with diabetes or cerebral atherosclerosis at risk for?
hyperthermia
what does red, yellow, or white induce?
can be stimulating and increase pulse, BP, and appetite
what does blue, brown, or earth ones induce?
can be relaxing
what does orange induce?
stimulate appetite
what does violet induce?
decrease appetite
what does green induce?
sense of well-being; master healer color
what does black and gray induce?
can be depressing
how do colors affect older adults?
identifies specific areas; caution use of patterns if the patient has cognition impairments
aromatherapy/phytomedicine
use of essential oils; pathophysiology of aromatherapy
essential oils
used in baths, compresses, rubbing, and massaging
like topical medications
produce physiological effects
carpeting
sound absorber but can cause problems
what kind of problems does carpeting have?
static electricity and cling; difficult wheelchair mobility; cleaning; odors; pests; scattered or area rugs can cause falls
what are some carpet considerations?
nonglare surface is essential; nonslip surfaces in bathrooms, kitchen, and areas leading from outdoors to indoors; avoid bold designs
what should furnishings be?
appealing, functional, and comfortable
what is a consideration for chairs?
correct height with arm rests; rocking chairs, love seats, recliners
furniture considerations
upholstery should be easy to clean; tables and bookcases should be sturdy; no obstructing pathways from bedroom to bathroom
what kind of environment should a cognitively impaired person have?
simple
how can you create an environment pleasing to senses?
textured walls and surfaces; soft blankets and spreads; pictures, wall hangings, murals, and sculptures; plants, flowers, coffee brewing, food cooking, perfumes, oils, birds and pets; soft music
what is an intervention for those who are bed bound?
sensory stimulation box
what are the effects of sound?
physiologic and emotional; can create diffulties for older adults
unwanted disharmonic or chronic noise
stressor, causes physical or emotional symptoms
what influences noise control?
design of building, landscape, and other devices
how can you avoid the use of intercoms and paging systems?
use individual pocket pagers or similar technological device
what are some bathroom safety measures?
lighting, floor surface, faucets, tubs and shower stalls, toilets, electrical appliances
what are some fire hazards toward older adults?
risk for burn injury; kitchen fires; careless use or disposal of matches/cigarettes; space heaters; fireplaces
what are some psychosocial considerations for older adults?
feelings and behavior influenced by their environment; need for own space; need for privacy and personal space; adjustment to new living environments; memory triggering cues are gone; reactions to loss; routine changes; enhance institutional environment
how can we provide privacy and personal space?
define specific areas and possessions of individual; provide privacy area for periods of solitude; request permission to enter personal space; allow maximum control over one’s space
what are some reactions to loss?
depression, regression, humiliation, and anger
what are some ways to enhance institutional environments?
attractive décor; inclusion of personal possessions; respect and privacy and personal territory; recognition of individuality; allowance of maximum control over activities and decision-making; environmental modifications to compensate for deficits; respect, individuality, sensitivity
what are the problem of falls?
25% 65 or older experience a fall each year; 1 in 5 results in serious injury; leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in the older population; can lead to development of post-fall syndrome
post fall-syndrome
results in unnecessary dependency, loss of function, decreased socialization, poor quality of life
risk factors of falls
age-related changes; improper use of mobility aids; medications; unsafe clothing; disease-related symptoms; environmental hazards; distractions; caregiver-related factors