The daughter of an 88-year-old female client tells the nurse that her

The daughter of an 88-year-old female client tells the nurse that her mother has recently quit go-ing on walks in the neighborhood because of pain in her legs. Which of the following is the best response from the nurse?

1. “I would like to speak with your mother to get more information.”
2. “Older people frequently suffer from arthritis that can cause leg pain.”
3. “Your mother probably has poor circulation in her legs, which is causing the pain.”
4. “She is lucky to be as healthy as she is at her age.”

ANSWER

ANS: 1
The presence of pain in an older adult requires aggressive assessment, diagnosis, and manage-ment. Pain is not an inevitable part of aging.