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?
Explanation & Rationale
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.