The nurse uses comfort measures to enhance an older adult's pharmacological pain management. Which of the following would be most helpful for the nurse to use to identify the relationships between the comfort measures, activity, and pharmacotherapy, and the older adult's pain level?

Choice A reason: FACE pain rating scale is not the most useful assessment tool for a cognitively impaired patient who cannot accurately report pain, as it relies on the patient's ability to match their pain intensity to a series of facial expressions. The patient may not be able to understand or use the scale appropriately.

Choice B reason: OLDCART-based assessment tool is not the most useful assessment tool for a cognitively impaired patient who cannot accurately report pain, as it relies on the patient's ability to provide detailed information about the onset, location, duration, characteristics, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and treatment of their pain. The patient may not be able to recall or communicate this information effectively.

Choice C reason: PAINAD scale is the most useful assessment tool for a cognitively impaired patient who cannot accurately report pain, as it relies on the nurse's observation of the patient's behavior and physiological responses to pain. The scale consists of five items: breathing, vocalization, facial expression, body language, and consolability. Each item is scored from 0 to 2, and the total score ranges from 0 to 10. A higher score indicates more pain.

Choice D reason: 0 to 10 numeric pain scale is not the most useful assessment tool for a cognitively impaired patient who cannot accurately report pain, as it relies on the patient's ability to rate their pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). The patient may not be able to comprehend or use the scale correctly.

Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is the most useful assessment tool for a cognitively impaired patient who cannot accurately report pain.

Choice A reason: Older adult declines company, is preoccupied with lethal weapons is the highest risk factor for suicide, as it indicates social isolation, hopelessness, and suicidal intent. The older adult may be suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues that impair their quality of life and increase their likelihood of harming themselves.

Choice B reason: Liver failure is due to alcohol abuse, older adult is popular at meals is not the highest risk factor for suicide, as it does not indicate suicidal ideation or behavior. The older adult may have a chronic medical condition that affects their liver function, but they may also have a supportive social network and coping skills that reduce their risk of suicide.

Choice C reason: Refuses to allow a large, extended family to help him is not the highest risk factor for suicide, as it does not indicate suicidal ideation or behavior. The older adult may have a preference for independence and autonomy, or they may have a strained relationship with their family. However, they may also have other sources of support and meaning in their life that lower their risk of suicide.

Choice D reason: The older adult had an overdose of acetaminophen 20 years ago; is in a sewing group is not the highest risk factor for suicide, as it does not indicate current suicidal ideation or behavior. The older adult may have a history of a suicide attempt, but they may also have recovered from their past crisis and found a positive outlet for their emotions and interests in the sewing group.

Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that indicates the highest risk for suicide.