Question

A nurse is collecting data from an older adult client who has chronic pain. Which of the following effects of unrelieved pain should the nurse identify as a priority finding to report?

a) Decreased appetite
b) Increased blood pressure
c) Sleep disturbances
d) Erythema at the pain site

Answer 1

The nurse should identify sleep disturbances as the priority finding to report in an older adult client with chronic pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should identify sleep disturbances as the priority finding to report in an older adult client with chronic pain. Chronic pain can significantly impact sleep patterns, leading to difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep.

Sleep disturbances can further exacerbate the client's pain, affect their overall well-being, and impair their ability to function.