Treatment of Pain
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
Pain is what the patient says, hurts.
The patient must be believed when he says he has pain. Pain is not only a physical sensation; it is also an emotional experience. Sleeplessness, anxiety, social problems, all can worsen the pain experience.
Analgesics must be given by the clock. Pain must be prevented rather than treated. Analgesics always work better if the drug is administered before the pain has occurred. This is the concept of pre-emptive analgesia.
- A second dose of the analgesic will act better if it is given before the first dose has worn off. Hence, the drugs must be given at intervals dependent on their duration of action.