Using non-verbal pain assessment scales (like PAINAD - Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia) is essential as dementia impairs verbal pain expression. PAINAD assesses: breathing, vocalization, facial expression, body language, consolability. Other scales: Doloplus-2, Abbey Pain Scale. Pain in dementia is often under-treated due to communication barriers. Non-verbal signs: agitation, resistance to care, changes in activity patterns, vocalizations, facial grimacing. Interventions: scheduled analgesics rather than PRN; non-pharmacological methods (massage, repositioning, distraction, music); and treating underlying causes. Nurses should assume pain is present with conditions normally painful (arthritis, fractures, infections). Family input on baseline behavior helps. Pain management improves quality of life, reduces behavioral symptoms, and may decrease antipsychotic use. Regular assessment using validated tools ensures appropriate treatment. Education for caregivers about recognizing pain in non-verbal patients is crucial.

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Zambia

• Joseph Soko – 101 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies