Chronic Pain in the Elderly: Nurse Knowledge and Experience

The purpose of this study is to describe the nurse's knowledge and experience regarding chronic pain and pain control in elderly patients. A literature review explores this topic. Serving as the conceptual framework is B. L. Thomas's (1990) Dimensions of Chronic Pain Model. Ninety-six registered nurses completed a questionnaire concerning pain in the elderly. This research tool was developed by S. J. Closs (1996) with minor adaptations. Descriptive and bivariate inferential data analyses were used. Results indicate a good knowledge of the prevalence of chronic pain, its negative consequences, and pain assessment methods. However, misconceptions about drug management of pain and exaggerated risks of opioid-induced respiratory depression and drug addiction exists. Nurse educators can be instrumental in providing continuing education for nursing staff regarding chronic pain in the elderly.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - University Access Only

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate Nursing

Year

1998

Author dc:creator

• Sauter, Sue

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kay Foland

• nursing pain in old age
• treatment pain in old age
• nurse attitudes
• Nursing

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 1998 Sue Sauter. All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/785

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openprairie.sdstate.edu:etd-1785