Pain Considerations In The Older Adult

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Pain Consideration in Older Persons Kathleen O'Brien WSSU Pain Considerations in Older Persons Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience. It is a complex phenomenon derived from sensory stimuli. There are no biological markers for pain. The best and most accurate evidence of pain is based on the patient’s description and self-report. An individual’s memories, expectations, and emotions alter the experience of pain. Comfort is a balance of the most basic physiological, emotional, social and spiritual needs. Wellness cannot be achieved without some level of comfort and pain occurs at physical, psychological and spiritual levels (Touhy & Jett, 2010, p.259). Relief from pain is a basic need as represented in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Touhy & Jett, 2010). Older persons experience the greatest amount of painful conditions but receive the least successful treatment of pain (Closs, 2005). A concise definition of pain is difficult but it is divided into two categories, acute and chronic (Touhy & Jett, 2010). The effects of inadequate pain assessment and treatment among older adults may lead to multiple problems. Pain is common in older people. The landmark study by the American Geriatric Society (AGS) conducted in 1998 found through a telephone survey that one in five older Americans are taking analgesic medicines regularly and 63% of those have taken prescription pain medications for more than six months (AGS, 1998, p. 635). Older people are more likely to suffer from arthritis, bone and joint disorders, back problems, and many other chronic conditions. The study by the AGS also found that 45% of people who take pain medications had seen three or more doctors in the past five years, 79% whom were primary care physicians. Previous studies also suggest that 25-50% of long term care facility residents suffer from chronic pain and 45 to

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