Pain Management Pharmacology and Documentation Quiz

Pain Management

• Pain can be acute or chronic

Pain Assessment Scales

• Patient's understanding of the pain scale should be documented
• Ability to assess pain level should be described
• Patient satisfaction with current treatment should be recorded
• Pain level before and after taking medication should be documented
• Interventions taken for unacceptable pain levels should be noted
• Timely re-assessment and response to treatment should be documented
• Patient's response to treatment should be quoted

Documentation

• Careful and complete documentation ensures high-quality pain management
• Documentation should include communication with physician and any changes in condition
• Patient education and response to learning should be recorded
• Avoid writing "patient understands" without supportive evaluation (e.g. patient can verbalize, demonstrate, describe, etc.)

Non-Pharmacologic Therapy

• Paracetamol acts through the central nervous system
• Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic, but not anti-inflammatory
• Paracetamol's effect is comparable to NSAIDs
• Paracetamol's effect begins after 30-60 minutes
• Maximum effect of Paracetamol is achieved at a certain point