1 2 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A P R I L 2 0 1 7
The American Pain
Society collaborated
with the American
Society of Anesthesi-
ologists and the
American Society of
Regional Anesthesia
and Pain Medicine to
publish a clinical prac-
tice guideline, which
contains recommenda-
tions to help clinicians
achieve optimal post-op
pain management
(osmag.net/o6APqP). Here are 4 of the guideline's key recom-
mendations:
• Capitalize on NSAIDs. Adults and children can be given aceta-
minophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as
part of multimodal analgesia. Acetaminophen and NSAIDs have
different mechanisms of action, and the combination might be
more effective than either drug alone, according to the guideline.
• Consider celecoxib. Administering 200 to 400 mg of celecoxib
30 minutes to 1 hour before surgery is associated with reduced
post-op opioid requirements and, in some cases, lower reported
patient pain scores.
• Use anticonvulsants. The anticonvulsants gabapentin and pre-
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
The Latest Guidance on
Multimodal Pain Management
• GETTING A LEG UP Nerve blocks help ease discomfort after
notoriously painful extremity surgeries.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
