A nurse is assessing an older adult client who reports pain. Which of the following should the nurse recognize about the client's perception of pain?
Intensity of pain levels decrease as people age.
The client is less likely to respond to analgesics.
Pain is an expected finding for an older adult.
The client may under-report their pain intensity.
The Correct Answer is D
A. "Intensity of pain levels decrease as people age."
Pain perception does not necessarily decrease with age. Older adults experience pain similarly to younger individuals, but they may express it differently.
B. "The client is less likely to respond to analgesics." Older adults respond to analgesics, but they may be more sensitive to certain medications due to age-related physiological changes. Appropriate dosing and monitoring are essential.
C. "Pain is an expected finding for an older adult." Pain is not a normal part of aging. While some chronic conditions associated with aging can cause pain, it should always be assessed and treated appropriately.
D. "The client may under-report their pain intensity."
Older adults may under-report pain due to factors such as fear of being a burden, belief that pain is a normal part of aging, or concerns about medication side effects. Nurses should use appropriate pain assessment tools to evaluate and address their pain effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Submitting an incident report to risk management following a client fall." While this is important for safety and quality improvement, it is not a direct act of client advocacy.
B. "Documenting the effectiveness of pain medication in the client's health record." This is a critical part of nursing documentation but does not actively advocate for the client.
C. "Asking another nurse to check a medication calculation for a client." This promotes medication safety, but it is not an example of client advocacy.
D. "Informing the family of a deceased client of the client's wish to be an organ donor." Advocacy means ensuring the client’s wishes are honored, especially in sensitive situations like organ donation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Consider gender and age when selecting an interpreter Cultural preferences may influence comfort and communication. For example, a client may feel more comfortable speaking with an interpreter of the same gender or age group.
B. Direct comments and questions to the interpreter The nurse should speak directly to the client, not the interpreter, to maintain engagement and respect.
C. Speak to the client in a loud voice Speaking louder does not improve comprehension and may come off as disrespectful. Clear, slow speech is more effective.
D. Ask a member of the client's family to serve as an interpreter Family members may omit or alter information and are not trained in medical terminology or confidentiality laws. A professional medical interpreter should be used.
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.