Question

Discuss the steps of a thorough pain assessment and how pain is managed in the hospital setting (include pharm and non-pharm interventions).

Answer 1

Pain assessment is crucial to manage the pain.

The pain should be measured by clinical observation, behavioural or self report and recorded as values 0-10.

In case of neonates, infants and children 3 types of tools are used for assessment. FLACC ( face, leg, activity, cry, consolability), Wong Baker faces pain scale and visual analogue scale.

Check heart rate respiratory rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation.

Reassess pain after drug is given to relieve pain.

Assess pain at rest and movement

Investigate higher pain score from expectations

Document pain scores

- PAIN MANAGEMENT:

There are non pharmacological and pharmacological pain management steps.

Non pharmacological includes:

Massage therapy to relieve pain and other symptoms

Relaxation techniques like guided imagery, hypnosis, biofeedback and breathing techniques

Acupuncture are found to relieve pain according to many studies

Physical therapy and pet therapy

Gel packs can be warmed or chilled and used to relieve localised pain.

Pharmacological pain management:

Administer PRN pain medication if needed appropriate for client age and diagnosis

Administer medication like NSAIDs, tylenol, opioids or non opioids according to the prescription

Administer controlled substances within regulatory guidelines

Evaluate and record client use and response to pain medication