J Gerontol Nurs
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Comparative Study
A comparative study of nurses' and elderly patients' ratings of pain and pain tolerance.
The purpose of this study was to compare elderly patients' and nurses' ratings of pain and pain tolerance. Data were collected through structured interviews with the patients. The attending nurses completed a questionnaire after conducting a pain assessment. ⋯ To improve elderly patients' pain management, practicing nurses must collaborate with researchers to develop specific empirical research nursing knowledge within geriatric pain management. This research-based knowledge should be incorporated into nurses' clinical practice regarding pain management. Specific guidelines must be developed for the assessment, treatment, and documentation of elderly patients' pain.