Question

An older adult receiving hospice care has dementia as a result of metastasis to the brain. His bone cancer has progressed to an advanced stage. Why might the client fail to request pain medication as needed? The client:

a-Experiences less pain than in earlier stages of cancer.
b-Cannot communicate the character of his pain effectively.
c-Recalls pain at a later time than when it occurs.
d-Relies on caregiver to provide pain relief without asking.

Answer 1

A dementia patient in hospice care may not request pain medication due to cognitive impairment, memory issues, or a reliance on caregivers to manage their pain without being prompted.

Step-by-step explanation:

An older adult receiving hospice care who has dementia as a result of metastasis to the brain and advanced stage bone cancer might fail to request pain medication for several reasons. One possibility is that cognitive impairment from dementia may prevent the patient from effectively communicating the character of their pain or even being aware that they are in pain. Additionally, memory issues associated with dementia could affect the patient's ability to recall pain at the time it occurs, possibly leading them to not report it until later, if at all. Lastly, a level of dependence on caregivers is expected in hospice care, and the patient might rely on the caregiver to provide pain relief without explicitly asking, partly due to altered mental status or the inability to recognize and articulate their needs.