PAIN MANAGEMET

Pain Management in Patients

Pain Management in Patients

Introduction

This assignment will examine recent articles and literature, on how a practice nurse can effectively curtail and manage pain in patients. The main focus of this assignment shall be based on older patient. The findings of this assignment shall then be evaluated and implemented within the organisation, to improve working practice and the promotion of good health in older people. According to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) code of professional conduct (2002), which states that registered nurses have a duty to deliver care best practice, based on current evidence, and where applicable, research validation should be implemented when there is the availability.

The topic has been chosen because of the misconception regarding the older people pain; the prime idea alleged by health care professionals is that pain is a normal feature of ageing (Brigg, 2003). Example, a man of the age 101 visited his General Practitioner (GP), since he was undergoing through the pain in his left leg. After examination the doctor suggested that his pain is nothing unusual, such pains are expected at this age, where the patient contradicted with the view of doctor, by claiming that his both legs are of same age, where his right legs does not hurt at all. (Cobb, Bjergbaek, et.al, 2003). This example claims that people at the older age cannot accept the view of pain in one part of the body, where their overall body age is same.

This review will examine the types of pain experienced by older people, its effect on their daily activities, barriers to pain recognition and management by health professionals, and pain assessment tools used. The pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of pain will also be examined. One of the frequent responsibilities of a nurse is to ensure that their knowledge and skills are up to date in managing diseases and medical conditions presented by patients and this includes pain. Recommendations will be made, by evaluating the problem areas and means to cater the problem and difficulties.

The research methodology employed maintains confidentiality and anonymity of patients and working practice in accordance to NMC code of professional conduct (NMC, 2008). The following databases were used as sources of reference; Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), Medline and British Nursing Index BNI). Secondary sources were also located at the library including; text books, medical articles, policies and guidelines and journals. The reason for using electronic databases is to ensure that the search is conducted robustly and to locate the best evidence-based practice. A spider diagram used to identify keywords and the combination of keywords includes: 'pain assessment', 'management', 'measurement tool', and 'risk assessment'. The databases produced a total of fifty-four articles and forty research studies, out of which only six articles were relevant or useful. The search also incorporated international literature from other English speaking countries in order to make comparisons with the global perspective regarding pain. Anecdotal materials that do not reflect the health system operating in United ...