An older adult is being treated for severe pain resulting from a history of osteoarthritis. In her discharge teaching, which information is most important to relay for the successful management of the pain?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For someone with severe persistent pain it is important to achieve the highest level of pain control; it is helpful to ease the "memory of pain," especially for those whose persistent pain is intense, like that of many chronic illnesses. This means to prevent the pain, not simply relieve it. The most effective way to do this is to provide around-the-clock (ATC) dosing, at the appropriate dosage. The other options are appropriate medication-related instructions but are not as directed toward successful management of chronic pain as is the correct option.

An Older Adult Is Being Treated for Severe Pain Resulting