J Gerontol Nurs
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The purpose of this study was to describe the recognition and management of delirium in hospitalized patients with and without dementia. ⋯ Delirium in individuals with dementia should be assessed and treated routinely because the failure to recognize delirium superimposed on dementia promptly has significant negative personal, social and financial consequences.
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This study examined the utility of the Iowa Self-Assessment Inventory (ISAI) as a multidimensional screening tool for older adults in the acute care hospital setting. A sample of 98 patients age 60 and older were administered the ISAI, the Short Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Mini-Mental State Examination. The findings suggest the ISAI is useful for screening for depression but does not detect differences in cognition. However, qualitative data and literature review support the continued search for a holistic, humanistic screening tool to increase the quality and effectiveness of patient care.
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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.