Clinical journal of oncology nursing
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Assessing pain in cognitively impaired older adults with cancer presents a challenge to healthcare providers. As the age and number of older adults with cancer and cognitive impairments increase, so does the need for appropriate methods and instruments to adequately assess pain in this population. Oncology nurses report pain control to be one of the more challenging aspects of caring for patients with cancer. This article discusses methods and tools used by healthcare providers to accurately assess pain in cognitively impaired older adults with cancer, specific behavioral indicators that healthcare providers should recognize to assess pain accurately among this population, and the most appropriate pain scales to use when assessing pain in this population.
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Many patients with cancer, especially those with lung and breast cancer, experience malignant pleural effusions. Several treatment options exist, and most require hospitalization. ⋯ Nurses play a critical role in educating patients about the use of the Pleurx catheter, as well as teaching patients and family members how to drain the catheter. The purpose of this article is to familiarize nurses with the proper care of Pleurx catheters and provide a basis for patient education.