Potential Causes of Pain in Non-Verbal Older Adults

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Searching for potential causes of pain or discomfort is an important approach to identifying pain!

Becoming familiar with common diagnoses, conditions and procedures known to be painful can increase awareness of the possibility of pain in those who cannot tell us.

Potential Causes

  • History of persistent pain
  • Osteoarthritis/rheumatoid arthritis
  • Low back pain
  • Osteoporosis and fractures
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Peripheral Neuropathies
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Peripheral Vascular Disease
  • Myofascial Pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Gout
  • Bone Pain
  • Cancer
  • Recent Fall
  • Urinary Tract Infection
  • Pneumonia
  • Skin Tear
  • Constipation

How Can You Help?

  • Screen for pain using a validated tool, i.e. Abbey, PAINAD
  • Review the medical history
  • Do a physical assessment
  • Observe behaviours, and be familiar with typical and atypical behaviour presentations
  • Trial an analgesic to confirm
  • Use the PRN order to see if there is a reduction in behaviours.
  • Be a client advocate

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PDF – Potential Causes of Pain in Non-Verbal Older Adults

Source:

Pasero, C & McCaffery, M (2011) pg. 124 Pain Assessment and Pharmacologic Management