Keywords

Acute pain, Chronic pain, Nursing care, Pain management in elders, Pain management in ICU, Pain the elderly, Patient education

 

Authors

  1. Diallo, Binta BSN, RN, CRRN, CN III
  2. Kautz, Donald D. PhD, RN

Abstract

By 2040, there will be 70 million people older than 65 years in the United States. Approximately 50% have pain on a daily basis, and research shows that their pain is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Nurses have an obligation to provide state-of-the-art care and advocate for vulnerable older adults in the intensive care unit (ICU). Untreated pain can complicate an ICU stay and delay discharge. This article briefly reviews difficulties in managing pain in ICU patients, suggests creative methods to properly assess pain, and discusses approaches for encouraging elders in ICU to manage their pain effectively.