Assignment task: Mr. Walters is an 85-year-old widower who lives alone. He was active and had been walking every night except for the last 6 weeks, when his knees began to bother him. He fell last week while trying to get to the bathroom. He hit his elbow, fractured his wrist, and bruised his ribs and knees. During your interview, he tells you this is not the first time he has fallen, but it is the first time he has injured himself. Mr. Walters states the pain now is terrible and nothing seems to help. He rates his pain at a 10. In addition, he reports with movement the pain feels like a knife is stabbing him. He reports his knees have been acting up recently along with some numbness to his feet that seems to be worse at night. The doctor gave him some pills, but he states, "I'm afraid to take them because I don't want to get hooked on drugs." He reports not sleeping well.
Q1. What kind of pain does Mr Walters have? Does he have more than one?
Q2. Why is Mr Walters' new pain so severe? Is there anything in his current condition that would give an indication of why the pain intensity is so high?
Q3. How has his pain affected his ability to function? What recommendations would you make for Mr. Walters?
Q4. What CHA may you recommend for Mr. Walters? Why? Remember evidenced-based research should guide your practice.