Pain Management: Its Your Right

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Pain Management Its Your Right
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Pain Management Its Your Right

• In 2001 the Joint Commission on Accreditation of
  Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) mandated that
  every patient has the right to be assessed,
  treated and reassessed for pain.

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Pain Management Its Your Right

• Pain is an important part of care expect prompt
  and competent response to your report of pain.
• You know your pain bestself-report is the key.
• Tell your doctor or nurse about your pain and
  pain relief methods that have worked well in the
  past.
• There is always something that can be done to
  help your pain.

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Pain Assessment Scales

• When you are a patient you will be asked to rate
  your pain. The most common scale used will be
  the Numeric Pain Rating Scale.
• If 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst possible
  pain, how would you rate your pain?
• Families please let the patient rate their own
  pain.

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Pain Assessment Scales

• The Visual Analogue Scale may be easier for some
  patients to use.
• The Face Scale may be used for some adults who
  are unable to use the number scales. Patients
  will be asked to pick a face that matches how
  they feel.

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Pain Management Strategies Medications

• Medications for pain management via the oral or
  IV route is one option that is available to
  patients.
• The most common medications prescribed after
  Thoracic, Cardiac or Vascular Surgery are
• Percocet
• Vicodin
• Ultram
• Ketorolac
• Morphine

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Pain Management Strategies Medications

• Pain patches such as lidocaine and fentanyl may
  be used. This allows a steady amount of
  medication to be released and absorbed through
  the skin.
• Epidural pain medication is used most often for
  Thoracic surgery patients. A catheter is placed
  through the back and into the epidural space and
  delivers pain medication at a constant rate.

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Pain Management Strategies Non-Medication

• Massage Therapy is a service that is offered and
  may help with pain relief.
• Guided Imagery is also offered as a means to
  relieve pain.
• A Certified Massage Therapist is part of the 4W
  team. Ask your RN about this free service.