Nurse Aide Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

An increase in anxiety among elderly residents can lead to an increase in sensitivity to pain. This phenomenon is supported by both psychological and physiological factors. When an individual experiences heightened anxiety, their body goes through stress responses, which can exacerbate the perception of pain. Anxiety can lead to heightened awareness of bodily sensations, making individuals more acutely aware of pain and discomfort that they might otherwise tolerate.

Moreover, anxiety can result in muscle tension, which contributes to pain experiences, particularly in musculoskeletal issues common in older adults. The emotional distress caused by anxiety can also lead to a lower pain threshold, meaning that pain is felt more intensely, and coping mechanisms for pain management may be less effective.

Overall, it is essential to understand that mental health and emotional states, such as anxiety, play a significant role in how pain is perceived and managed in elderly individuals, reinforcing the connection between psychological well-being and physical symptoms.