Soins; la revue de référence infirmière
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The prevalence of pain increases with age. An increase in the pain threshold and pain tolerance is sometimes observed in elderly people suffering from dementia. Hetero-assessment of pain with validated tools is essential in these patients.
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a non-medicated therapy with no side effects, compatible with other treatments and able to be used for an unlimited time. It consists in emitting painless electrical pulses around the nerves or muscles, through electrodes placed on the skin and connected to an easy-to-use generator or stimulator.
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The concept of "quality" in relation to the treatment of pain is an obligation for institutions and professionals as well as a right for patients. It is worthwhile recalling the importance of the nurse's role in treating pain and in particular in its assessment. Assessment can only be carried out with the use of adapted and validated tools and the support of the whole team. A department-wide project is therefore necessary.
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The general public and health professionals may have a mistaken impression of palliative care and the Leonetti law. Thanks to training and information on the measures taken by the government with regard to the development of palliative care, the palliative culture is gradually becoming integrated into healthcare structures and mentalities.
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Palliative care remains associated with images of death and generates fears. It is difficult to envisage supporting patients at the end of life anywhere other than in specialised places. With situations of critical care, professionals and volunteers use their complementary skills to work together in caring for the patient.