Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses
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Recent studies indicate that the assessment of conditioned pain modulation (CPM) responses and emotional factors can provide important information regarding chronification mechanisms, choices for more efficient therapeutic strategies, and clinical variables supporting a therapeutic prognosis. ⋯ 36 subjects with and without NSCLBP.
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Vapocoolant sprays are convenient forms of cold temperature analgesia. These sprays may not be suitable for all patients with particular concern for patients with sickle cell disease. To prevent any further cases from occurring, we propose adding a more specific cautionary statement to the manufacturer guidelines. We also hope that medical personnel can help patients with sickle cell avoid topical and environmental cold temperature triggers for sickle vaso-occlusive pain and reduce the suffering in this rare disease.
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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.