Clinical nursing research
-
Clinical nursing research · Aug 2004
Comparative StudyAn exploration of seniors' ability to report pain.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of a group of elderly residents to use self-report methods to measure their pain in an accurate fashion. Using a comparative descriptive design, completion rates of three pain assessment tools and the self-report skills of a sample of 130 long-term care residents with varying levels of cognitive impairment were evaluated. The majority of residents with mild to moderate cognitive impairment were able to complete at least one of the verbal pain assessment tools, with the Present Pain Intensity and Numerical Rating Scales being the preferred choices for use in clinical settings. However, the Faces Pain Scale appeared to be more challenging for residents to complete, suggesting that it requires further testing before it can be recommended for clinical use.
-
Clinical nursing research · Aug 2004
Use of a numeric visual analog anxiety scale among patients undergoing colorectal surgery.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of a Numeric Visual Analog Anxiety Scale (NVAAS) as a potentially accurate and efficient way to determine presurgery anxiety among patients undergoing colorectal surgery. A secondary aim was to determine the relationship between NVAAS ratings of anxiety and postsurgery pain. Thirty-six patients scheduled for colorectal surgery were asked to rate their state anxiety on the NVAAS and to complete the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). ⋯ The NVAAS measure of presurgery anxiety also correlated significantly with STAI-trait anxiety (0.46, p <.005) and postsurgery Visual Analog Scale pain ratings (0.35, p <.038). The NVAAS appears to be a valid and sensitive measure of anxiety among patients undergoing colorectal surgery. The NVAAS also has the advantage of being convenient and easy to use at bedside, increasing its clinical utility in medical nursing care.