British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
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Pain is a commonly reported symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the literature surrounding pain management for people with MS appears limited. ⋯ It suggests that the MS nurse is pivotal in ensuring that patients receive adequate pain control. The MS nurse can coordinate timely assessment, monitor effectiveness and side effects linked with a pain management plan, and provide education and support to patients in order to allow them to take responsibility for their own pain management.
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The procedure of fasting from midnight until induction of anaesthesia arose from concern that patients could regurgitate during induction of general anaesthesia when the pharyngeal and laryngeal refluxes are depressed. In this situation, the contents of the stomach do not come out of the patient's mouth, but go up into the oesophagus and trachea and are drawn back down into the lungs. ⋯ This article considers the current evidence for preoperative fasting times and examines why patients are still being subjected to prolonged preoperative fasting. Based on the evidence presented, recommendations are made regarding this aspect of care.