Final answer:
The nurse would assure the patient and his daughter that postoperative pain management for a 72-year old patient will be personalized, encourage them to communicate any pain experiences for timely management, and may include the use of a PCA device for pain control. The nurse will also clarify any misconceptions about pain perception in older adults.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering postoperative pain control for a 72-year old patient after major surgery, a nurse would likely inform the patient and his daughter of the following:
"We will be able to adjust the pain medication to an appropriate dose for your age," which means that pain management will be tailored to the patient's specific needs, taking into consideration the patient's age and potential sensitivities to medications.
"Please let us know when you're having pain so we can work together to stay on top of it," emphasizing the importance of communication between the patient and healthcare providers to effectively manage pain.
"You will be able to help him push the button for his patient controlled analgesia (PCA) device to control his pain," suggesting that the patient may be provided with a PCA device, which allows the patient to self-administer pain medication within prescribed limits to manage pain as needed.
It is important to dispel myths and provide accurate information, for instance, contrary to statement 'd', pain perception does not necessarily decrease with age. The daughter's assistance with PCA if needed must be done while following the specific guidelines of the hospital policy, which typically requires that the patient must be the one to operate the PCA device to ensure proper dosing and to prevent complications.