Journal of trauma nursing : the official journal of the Society of Trauma Nurses
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Review Meta Analysis
Exploring Opioid-Sparing Multimodal Analgesia Options in Trauma: A Nursing Perspective.
Challenges with opioids (e.g., adverse events, misuse and abuse with long-term administration) have led to a renewed emphasis on opioid-sparing multimodal management of trauma pain. To assess the extent to which currently available evidence supports the efficacy and safety of various nonopioid analgesics and techniques to manage trauma pain, a literature search of recently published references was performed. Additional citations were included on the basis of authors' knowledge of the literature. ⋯ Nonpharmacologic treatments (e.g., cryotherapy, distraction techniques, breathing and relaxation, acupuncture) supplement pharmacologic analgesics and can be safe and easy to implement. In conclusion, opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia addresses concerns associated with high doses of opioids, and many pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options are available to implement this strategy. Nurses play key roles in comprehensive patient assessment; administration of patient-focused, opioid-sparing, multimodal analgesia in trauma; and monitoring for safety concerns.
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Education to improve symptom management is an agreed-upon strategy to reduce the impact of symptoms on the quality of life for persons with mild traumatic brain injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether current discharge education practices are deemed adequate by persons treated and released from the emergency department with concussion. A review of current literature identified a need for patient education improvements in emergency departments. ⋯ A concussion symptom management booklet was created using current scientific information. The concussion education booklet along with standardized postconcussion education was provided to patients with mild traumatic brain injuries who were discharged from a level I trauma center emergency department. A prospective small-scale study was performed to establish the ease of use and usefulness of the newly created concussion education booklet and determine whether patients preferred the booklet of information over the standard discharge instructions.