Which statement about delirium and pain management is true?

Which statement about delirium and pain management is true?

• A. Acetaminophen is less appropriate than NSAIDs.
• B. Acetaminophen, not antipsychotics, is preferred for pain management.
• C. Analgesia should be avoided.
• D. Opioids should be used before acetaminophen.

Answer: (B)

Pain management in delirium focuses on reducing confusion and agitation by treating the underlying discomfort safely. In older adults, acetaminophen is the preferred first-line analgesic for mild to moderate pain because it has the most favorable safety profile in this population. NSAIDs carry risks such as gastritis, kidney injury, bleeding, and cardiovascular effects, which can be particularly problematic in delirious, elderly patients. Antipsychotics are not analgesics; they may help with agitation or delirium symptoms, but they do not relieve pain and can worsen delirium or cause other adverse effects. Therefore, prioritizing acetaminophen for pain control, rather than relying on antipsychotics for analgesia, is the appropriate approach. Opioids are considered only if pain remains significant after nonopioid analgesics, and they should be used with caution due to their potential to worsen delirium, cause sedation, and lead to other side effects.

Pain management in delirium focuses on reducing confusion and agitation by treating the underlying discomfort safely. In older adults, acetaminophen is the preferred first-line analgesic for mild to moderate pain because it has the most favorable safety profile in this population. NSAIDs carry risks such as gastritis, kidney injury, bleeding, and cardiovascular effects, which can be particularly problematic in delirious, elderly patients. Antipsychotics are not analgesics; they may help with agitation or delirium symptoms, but they do not relieve pain and can worsen delirium or cause other adverse effects. Therefore, prioritizing acetaminophen for pain control, rather than relying on antipsychotics for analgesia, is the appropriate approach. Opioids are considered only if pain remains significant after nonopioid analgesics, and they should be used with caution due to their potential to worsen delirium, cause sedation, and lead to other side effects.