International journal of palliative nursing
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Pain and agitation in long-term care residents with dementia: use of the Pittsburgh Agitation Scale.
to explore the relationship between total and sub-scores of the Pittsburgh Agitation Scale (PAS) and five proxy measures of pain in long-term care (LTC) residents. ⋯ for certain residents with dementia, PAS may allow assessment of both agitation and uncommunicated pain. It is possible that the PAS form of agitation "resistance to care" may indicate pain that individual cannot otherwise communicate. One possible response to such resistance would be to trial pain medication and reassess agitation. Nursing staff in LTC facilities may need additional training in pain assessment of residents with dementia.