Pain Management

Describe specific elements in the pain experience

Explain how the physiology of pain relates to selecting interventions for pain relief

Assess personal beliefs about pain and its treatment

Compare and contrast acute and chronic pain

Identify factors that may affect an individual’s pain experience (including cultural factors) as well as the treatment of pain

Incorporate all components of the nursing process to manage pain

Plan interventions that utilize both pharmacologic and/or non-pharmacologic treatment methods

Distinguish between the different classifications of pain medications regarding efficacy, side effects, nursing implications, and legal ramifications

Collaborate with the members of other health disciplines, using different treatment modalities to promote pain relief

Provide education to empower patients to participate in their own pain management programs