Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses
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Treatment of localized neuropathic pain continues to represent an unmet need. The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy to reduce the burning pain induced by capsaicin (8%) patches (QUTENZA) in a neuropathic pain cohort. We also investigated subsequent neuropathic pain during an 8-week follow-up. ⋯ The use of cooling during capsaicin patch application, by ameliorating the therapeutic alliance, improves the clinical management of neuropathic pain. © 20XX by the American Society for Pain Management Nursing.
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Subjective methods should be used to evaluate pain. It is important to know how pain affects vital signs and brain oxygenation. This study aimed to determine the effects of expressive touch and music applied after lumbar disc herniation surgery on pain, vital signs, and brain oxygenation. ⋯ It was found that expressive touch and music were effective in reducing pain level, keeping vital signs within physiological limits, and increasing brain oxygenation. Further studies are needed to examine the effects of other methods used in postoperative pain management on brain oxygenation.
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Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure that allows imaging of the airways and lungs. With the help of a light and camera at its tip, the bronchoscope device can enter the airway and provide real-time visualization. Since most patients are conscious during the bronchoscopy procedure, they may experience pain and anxiety regarding possible complications and an uncertain outcome. ⋯ Study results for this sample revealed that the use of VR decreased pain intensity scores, state anxiety levels, anxiety severity, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate, and increased O2 saturation in patients who underwent bronchoscopy. In line with these results, VR should be considered during bronchoscopy procedures.
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Millions experience inadequately managed acute pain each year. Opioids are an important tool for managing pain; however, recent reductions in opioid prescriptions have exacerbated preexisting challenges in pain management. Moreover, patient expectations and desires for pain management may drive additional opioid use. There is an important need to characterize patient motivations for using opioids in order to develop promising interventions. The aim of this study was to develop the Decisions To use Opioids (DTO) measure. ⋯ This study provided evidence of content and face validity of the DTO measure for ED patients. Further psychometric evaluation is needed to gather data regarding the DTO's internal consistency, construct validity, and criterion validity.
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Recognizing and managing pain is especially challenging for vulnerable populations who cannot communicate their discomfort. Because there is no valid and reliable objective measure of pain, the American Society for Pain Management Nursing advocates for comprehensive assessment practices articulated in a Hierarchy of Pain Assessment. These practices must gather relevant information to infer the presence of pain and evaluate a patient's response to treatment. Nurses and other healthcare providers must be advocates for those who cannot communicate their pain experience.