A student nurse is caring for an elderly patient with rheumatoid arthritis. The patient states that ...

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Chronic pain affects a patient's activity (eating, sleeping, hygiene, social interactions), thinking (confusion, forgetfulness, helplessness), or emotions (anger, depression,
irritability, frustration) and quality of life and productivity. The incidence of depression is very high in patients with chronic pain. They experience many losses, such as their ability to enjoy life, to be in control, to work, to socialize, and to be independent. Suicidal thoughts are relatively common; therefore you need to routinely assess for suicidal tendencies.