Which approach focuses on alleviating patient discomfort?

Which approach focuses on alleviating patient discomfort?

• A. Daily Routines
• B. Agitation Consequences
• C. Pain Relief
• D. CMS Policy Regulations

Answer: (C)

Alleviating patient discomfort centers on relieving pain directly. When comfort is the priority, the nursing plan targets pain reduction to improve overall well-being, sleep, appetite, mood, and ability to participate in activities and care. In older adults, this means careful pain assessment with appropriate tools, followed by a tailored plan that may combine nonpharmacologic strategies (like repositioning, heat or cold, massage, relaxation, and distraction) with pharmacologic options chosen to balance effectiveness and safety (for example, starting with acetaminophen when appropriate and monitoring for side effects and interactions; using adjuvants for neuropathic pain as needed). Regular reassessment is essential because pain can fluctuate and older patients may underreport it, especially if cognitive impairment is present. This approach directly addresses the symptom causing disutility, rather than focusing on daily routines, consequences of agitation, or regulatory policies, which influence care in different ways but do not prioritize pain relief itself.

Alleviating patient discomfort centers on relieving pain directly. When comfort is the priority, the nursing plan targets pain reduction to improve overall well-being, sleep, appetite, mood, and ability to participate in activities and care. In older adults, this means careful pain assessment with appropriate tools, followed by a tailored plan that may combine nonpharmacologic strategies (like repositioning, heat or cold, massage, relaxation, and distraction) with pharmacologic options chosen to balance effectiveness and safety (for example, starting with acetaminophen when appropriate and monitoring for side effects and interactions; using adjuvants for neuropathic pain as needed). Regular reassessment is essential because pain can fluctuate and older patients may underreport it, especially if cognitive impairment is present. This approach directly addresses the symptom causing disutility, rather than focusing on daily routines, consequences of agitation, or regulatory policies, which influence care in different ways but do not prioritize pain relief itself.