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What should a nurse consider when assessing the pain status of an older adult?

According to the American Geriatrics Society, between 45% and 85% of older persons in nursing homes experience pain, which is often undertreated. When assessing the pain status of an older adult, a nurse should consider communication barriers, cognitive status, comorbidities, and the crucial role of family input. A comprehensive approach moves beyond simple numeric scales to observe behavioral changes, assess functional impact, and incorporate collateral information for an accurate evaluation.