CE: Assessing and Managing Pain, Agitation, and Delirium in Hospitalized Older Adults. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hartjes, Tonja M.; Meece, Lauren; Horgas, Ann L.
• Is Part Of: American journal of nursing. Volume 116:Number 10(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: acute care -- agitation -- delirium -- older adults -- pain; Nursing -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000503300.22262.c7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-936X

Abstract

Abstract : N/A: In the acute care setting, pain, agitation, and delirium (PAD) often occur as interrelated parts of a syndrome rather than as separate entities. Because the three facets of PAD may be similar in presentation, it is often difficult for clinicians to recognize the syndrome and to assess and treat it. The challenge is particularly great in older patients, who are more likely than their younger counterparts to have such comorbid conditions as dementia, which may impair the ability to report pain, or age-related physiologic changes that may affect the metabolism and clearance of certain medications. This article provides an overview of each aspect of PAD, discusses clinical considerations related to the assessment and treatment of the syndrome in older adults receiving acute care, and illustrates the application of published PAD guidelines through the use of a hypothetical patient scenario. Abstract : This article provides a review of clinical considerations related to the assessment and treatment of pain, agitation, and delirium, which often occur together as parts of a syndrome that may be difficult to recognize in older adults.