Geriatric nursing
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Music is a powerful tool for maintaining and restoring health and is particularly suited to elder care. Music can be used to induce relaxation, alter moods, and create distraction. Music's effect is attributed to its vibrational properties, which are processed through the senses and integrated within the central nervous system. Nurses have a major responsibility to understand, appreciate, and use music in their practice.
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Of the approximately 2 million elders residing in nursing homes, experts estimate that 49% to 83% are experiencing pain. Elders in nursing homes have a high incidence of cognitive impairment, possibly as high as 50%. The verbalization of pain can be difficult for those with cognitive impairment, and elders with dementia may be undertreated and unknowingly allowed to suffer. ⋯ Until accurate ways of assessing pain are discovered, nurses must be educated to the prevalence of pain in cognitively impaired elders and the subtle ways in which it might be detected. Nursing practice is about eliminating suffering. Relieving suffering in those most vulnerable and unable to express their needs is critical.
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This article describes herpes zoster (HZ), its cause, diagnosis, treatment, and associated complications. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication of HZ, is the primary focus of the discussion. PHN is defined broadly as chronic pain that persists after the characteristic vesicular rash of HZ has resolved.
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The prevalence of cancer rises with advancing age, and pain is a common complaint of those with cancer. The elderly, especially those older than 85, are at risk for undertreatment of pain. Despite multiple barriers, assessment difficulties, and an increased risk of side effects with opioids, cancer pain can be effectively managed in this population. The quality of life of elderly patients with cancer depends on good symptom management, the appropriate use of analgesics, and prevention of opioid-related side effects.