Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses
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Musculoskeletal pain is a common problem in older adults and can result in disability and suffering. Uncontrolled pain leads to diminished quality of life (QoL) and places a great financial burden on the healthcare system. ⋯ Pain in the lower extremities can play an important role in the deterioration of QoL and loss of balance and gait function. Knee pain may affect gait performance and QoL more than hip pain. Nurses and physical therapists in nursing homes should have good knowledge of pain and regularly monitor undiagnosed pain conditions in the lower extremities of older adults.
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Neoplasm-related pain is often suboptimally treated, contributing to avoidable suffering and increased medical resource use and costs. We hypothesized that dementia may contribute to increased resource use and costs in patients hospitalized for neoplasm-related pain in the United States. ⋯ This study provides nurses and other health care professionals with data to further explore opportunities for improvement in cancer pain management in patients with and without dementia that may optimize use of medical resources.
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The aim of the study was to evaluate musculoskeletal pain due to mechanical reasons and related risk factors in adolescents and to define posture profiles of adolescents. ⋯ According to this study, body posture was related to musculoskeletal pain and was correlated with physical activities, school desk comfort, and school grades of the adolescents. It is suggested that correct posture and ergonomic positions should be taught to adolescents when using computers, carrying school backpacks, and sitting in school chairs to prevent musculoskeletal pain.
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Pain is one of the most disturbing and distressing symptoms experienced by cancer patients, and it is the most stressful factor affecting all aspects of patients and their families' lives. Understanding the barriers to effective cancer pain management in home setting is essential for designing programs to improve the quality of the patients and their families' lives. ⋯ The study documented the need for supportive and educational programs for cancer patients and their family caregivers in an attempt to improve the effectiveness of pain managment and cancer patients' quality of life.