During the last few years, 75-year-old mrs. esterhouse has gradually become so mentally disoriented that she can't find her way around her own house and often fails to recognize her husband. it is most likely that mrs. esterhouse is suffering the effects of:

You are assessing an 86-year-old postoperative patient who has an unexpressive, stoic demeanor. when you enter the room, the patient is curled into the fetal position and your assessment reveals that his vital signs are elevated and he is diaphoretic. you ask the patient what his pain level is on a 0-to-10 scale that you explained to the patient prior to surgery. the patient indicates a pain level of “three or so.” you review your pain-management orders and find that all medications are ordered prn. how would you treat this patient's pain?