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P A I N
M A N A G E M E N T
Instruct patients to take pain meds
home is normal. Don't mince words.
Straight up tell them, 'You will have
every 4 to 6 hours for at least 24
pain with this procedure.'"
hours post-op. Let them know when
the next dose should be taken after
Follow that up, says Mr. Berreth,
by telling patients that the trick is
discharge. If pain is unbearable,
to stay on top of their pain. It's
patients can supplement Tylenol or
helpful to think in terms of a pain
Motrin between doses of prescribed
cycle. The key is to manage the
pain medications, adds Ms. Berreth.
Assess the patient's pain upon
pain from the start. "Once you have
pain and do not relieve that pain,
admission to the PACU — regard it
the pain will only increase," she
as another vital sign — and treat it as
says. "It's important to break the
early as possible, says Gail Bultsma,
cycle when the pain is at a manage-
RN, CAPA, PACU charge nurse at the
able level. It's key for the patient to
Northwest Michigan Surgery Center
understand that controlling the pain
in Traverse City, Mich. "Treat early
will provide a safer and better out-
and frequently — every 3 to 5 min-
come, even for the simplest proce-
utes if appropriate — until you reach
dures."
a comfort level that is acceptable to
the patient," she says. "Reassure
To stay on top of the pain when using
a regional block, instruct the patient to
patients that you're aggressively
take at least 1 oral pain medication at
treating their pain. Then, as soon as
bedtime before reversal of the block.
they're able to tolerate oral fluids
"Most of our blocks last about 12 to 18
and a small snack, get an oral pain
hours," says Ms. Berreth. "If needed, we
agent on board." OSM
will medicate with a stronger IV med-
E-mail
doconnor@outpa tientsurg ery.net.
ication while the patient is in the facility. However, we'll generally give 1 to 2
On the Web
oral pain medications 15 minutes
The American Society of PeriAnesthesia
Nurses developed a "Pain and Comfort
Clinical Guideline" based on best practices:
tinyurl.com/lakx6kj
before discharge to promote use of oral
medications as needed."
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O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E | J U LY 2013
