Introduction
The patient is experiencing back and leg pain. Her back discomfort could be the result of a spinal fracture triggered by unpleasant mechanical or chemical impulses to the C-afferent and A-delta pain receptors (Crawford et al., 2020). Ruth most certainly has degenerative arthritis arising from her osteoporosis. Osteoarthritis has been widely believed to be a nociceptive pain disorder triggered by changes in joint nociceptors and activation of nociceptive processing in the brain stem, spinal cord, and thalamocortical system.
Discussion
Severe pain may lead to various difficulties in older people as the symptoms related to these conditions are not easy to identify. For instance, a person may have to limit mobility and develop other conditions such as pneumonia or pressure injuries if movement leads to severe pain (Eliopoulos, 2018). The patient may lack the motivation to eat and drink water adequately, resulting in dietary deficiency and dehydration.
Many older people do not report pain because they are afraid of being perceived as dissatisfied, do not have the financial resources to seek medication, or wrongfully believe that pain is a factor in aging. The absence of discomfort in patients may not indicate that the illness does not exist in their lives (Eliopoulos, 2018). Patients may not contact their healthcare professionals about their pain, although it influences their well-being.
The most important lesson would be that her illness is distinct and impairs her well-being regularly. According to Gjesdal et al. (2018), there is evidence that family support is vital for living with chronic pain, although caregivers frequently stress out and lose their capacity to manage if a condition is persistent. It may also be required to explain to her child the underlying condition and its pathogenesis. If he is aware of his mother’s severe sickness, he would be able to provide the necessary care.
Conclusion
Ruth may be irritated, anxious, or depressed for no particular reason, and she may lose interest in previously appreciated activities. Signs of discomfort include grimacing, sobbing, aggressive behavior, perspiration, splinting or guarding the bodily part, concern, and decreased sociability (Gjesdal et al., 2018). Ruth’s son will also be capable of more effectively caring for and understanding his mother if he can distinguish between such effects and qualities.
References
Crawford, L. K., & Caterina, M. J. (2020). Functional anatomy of the sensory nervous system: updates from the neuroscience bench. Toxicologic pathology, 48(1), 174-189. Web.
Eliopoulos, C. (2018). Gerontological Nursing (9th Edition). Wolters Kluwer Health. Web.
Gjesdal, K., Dysvik, E., & Furnes, B. (2018). Living with chronic pain: Patients’ experiences with healthcare services in Norway. Nursing Open, 5(4), 517-526. Web.