Pain Management
Fundamentals of Nursing
Contraindication
Pain is very personal - both physical & emotional. While everyone experiences pain, not
everyone experiences it in the same way. Something that may feel very painful to one
person may not feel painful to another
Factors affecting how pain is perceived
Ethnic and cultural
variables
Developmental Stage
Environment and
support people
Previous pain
experience
Meaning of the Pain
It's working!
Some people see pain as a good thing like, “If the chemo hurts me, it means it’s working.”
Types & Sources of Pain
Acute Pain
Chronic Pain
0
No
Pain
1
2
Mild
Pain
3
4
Moderate
Pain
5
6
Severe
Pain
7
8
9
Very Severe
Pain
5% of pain
10
Worst Pain
Possible
reporters exaggrate
Sudden, severe, short-term pain
Example: New bump or bruise
Long-term pain “recurring, over an extended time”
Example: Back pain (long-term)
Referred Pain
The feeling of pain in one part of body is caused
by pain or injury in another part of the body
Example: Chest pain from a heart attack could
trigger pain in the jaw
Phantom Pain
Pain that feels like it is coming from a body part
that is no longer there
Test Tips Real pain!
Example: Amputations
Pain Management Strategies
Formulate a plan
• Educate the client to make a REALISTIC pain goals
• Keep client involved in strategies to manage pain
Acknowledge the pain
• Only about 5% of pain reporters are found to
be exaggerating
• Reduce anxiety about pain
Pharmacologic treatment
• Non opioid pain meds: NSAIDS, Acetaminophen
• Opioids
• Co therapy
Non-Pharmacologic treatment
• Breathing techniques
• Distraction: TV, reading, games
• Heat or cold application
• Rest
• Meditation
• Massage
NSAIDS
OPIOIDS