This paper examines the role of nurses practising at advanced level, providing holistic care. Using a case approach to illustrate the process, it explores how an older woman’s pain that failed to respond to conventional analgesia improved when she expressed her feelings of sadness and loneliness, received care and support, and had the company of people her own age. This article also explains how sertraline—given to treat depression—can cause postural hypotension, and how to deal with this.

Linda Nazarko - Nurse consultant, physical health care, West London Mental Health Trust