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## Medical Sur... ### Nursing Assessment and Intervention 1. Evaluate objectively the nature of the patient's pain: location, duration, quality, and impact on daily activities. 2. Use a pain intensity scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain) or other pain scale as appropriate. Take careful...

## Medical Sur... ### Nursing Assessment and Intervention 1. Evaluate objectively the nature of the patient's pain: location, duration, quality, and impact on daily activities. 2. Use a pain intensity scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain) or other pain scale as appropriate. Take careful history of prior and present medications, response, and side effects. 3. Assess relief from medications and duration of relief (use the same measuring scale every time). 4. Administer drugs orally whenever possible. 5. Administer analgesia "around the clock" rather than prm. 6. Convey the impression that the patient's pain is understood and that the pain can be controlled. 7. Re-evaluate the pain frequently. The requirement to analgesia should decrease if other treatment is given including radiation or chemotherapy. 8. Use alternative measures to relieve pain such as guide (imaginary, relaxation, and biofeedback). 9. Provide ongoing support and open communication. 10. Consider referral to a pain specialist for intractable pain. 11. Provide education: * A complete list of each medication prescribed with instructions on how to take each one. * A list of potential side effects and how to manage them. 12. Take measures to prevent and treat side effects of opiates, such as constipation, nausea, and sedation. ### Nutritional Support - The body of the person with cancer responds to the increased demand for glucose, which is required by both normal and cancer cells by the increased rate of gluconeogenesis. - Progressive muscle wasting is called "cachexia" and gives the patient a characteristic appearance of emaciation. - The body stores of fat are depleted as the disease progresses. - Persons with cancer also exhibit deficiencies in such vitamins as A, and thiamine. Iron deficiency may also occur. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances include hypercalcemia, hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia.