Pain in the older adult: Affects on patient outcomes and the nurses' responsibility to treat

摘要

Pain is one of the most widely cited symptoms underlying disability among older adults in the United States. It significantly impacts quality of life of older adults and, in addition, can interfere with sleep, lead to social isolation, depression, and inactivity. Nurses are instrumental in improving the care of older adults with pain and must be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to treat them. Nurses play an important role in pain assessment, ensuring adequate pain relief measures are implemented, and advocating for those in pain.