Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses
-
Discomfort is a concept found in the literature, usually related to pain. Some sources do not distinguish between pain and discomfort. Others refer to different sources of discomfort, thereby leading to a lack of conceptual clarity. ⋯ A clarification of the concept of discomfort leads to a more accurate theoretical and operational definition. This clarification can help nurses to make more accurate nursing diagnoses and develop methods to measure discomfort in order to provide optimal quality of nursing care.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Does Hand Massage Have Sustained Effects on Pain Intensity and Pain-Related Interference in the Cardiac Surgery Critically Ill? A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Despite the promising short-term pain relief effect of massage, little is known regarding its sustained effects on pain intensity and pain-related interference with functioning. ⋯ Hand massage could help patients experience longer periods without pain and lower levels of maximum pain intensity. When coupled with recovery activities, hand massage could reduce pain-related interference with functioning.
-
The high incidence of pain associated with end-stage cancers indicates the need for a new approach to understanding how and why patients, caregivers, and clinicians make pain management choices. ⋯ As illustrated in the caring triad cases presented, this study moved the management approach of pain from a dichotomous realm of nurse-patient, to the more naturalistic realm for home hospice of nurse-patient-caregiver. In analyzing social processes within and across triad members, we identified categories of impact to target assessment, intervention, and education to improve pain outcomes.
-
In patients with cognitive impairments who are unable to self-report pain, nurses must rely on behavioral observation tools to assess and manage pain. Although frequently employed in medical-surgical units, evidence supporting the psychometric efficacy of the Pain in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) for pain screening in older adults with delirium is lacking. ⋯ Pain and delirium frequently co-occur in the older adult population. Best practices require a holistic assessment for contributing pain and non-pain factors in patients exhibiting distress.
-
To reduce chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN)-a significant challenge among cancer patients following chemotherapy-we explored the effects of auricular point acupressure (APA), which involves needleless, acupuncture-like stimulation on specific ear points. ⋯ APA may provide an inexpensive and effective complementary approach for the self-management of CIN. Once the seeds have been taped to the patient's ear by the provider, patients are empowered to self-manage their CIN in their own environment.