Pain Management

Definition
The types of pain are acute, which is a sudden onset, chronic pain which is from a long term condition, and then pain caused by cancer.

Cause
Low back pain, leg pain, fractures, pain associated with surgery.  Pain can be caused by medical conditions such as peptic ulcers, shingles, migraine headaches, arthritis and pain from any open areas on the body.  Pain from cancer can be caused by a malignant condition or the treatment of cancer.

Caregiver Hot Tips

1. Keeping an individual as free from pain as possible is important when giving care.
   
   
2. You will be able to assess pain by observing the individuals facial expression -such as grimacing. Use the Faces Pain scale.
   
   
3. If the individual can express how much pain they are in - use the number system 0 to 10 scale.
   
   
4. Giving pain medication to these individuals before it gets to or over a level 5 helps to make them comfortable without raising their level of anxiety.
   
   
5. First try different methods such as diversion, having soft music playing, a darkened room, back massage and even a cup of tea might help.
   
   
6. After the individual has received pain medication ask if they have gotten any relief after 1 hour.
   
   
7. Keeping a record of how often an individual receives pain medication and the effectiveness. This should be shared with the doctor.
   
   
8. If you feel that the medication is not effective the doctor should be called to possibly increase the dosage or order something different.
   
   
9. Watch for any adverse effects such as nausea or dizziness.
   
   
10. If the individual has nausea sips of ginger ale and crackers can be offered. Light foods can be added such as tea, and clear broth.
    
    
11. If the individual can participate in their own care and just needs the medication to get started assist as needed with morning care or eating.
    
    
12. The family of an individual with pain sometimes finds it hard coping with the care necessary for these individuals .This can be eliminated by explaining the disease process.
    
    
13. If the individual is receiving pain medication on a routine basis such as every four hours during the day time be sure and give the medication at least one half hour before meals. Pain can cause a decrease in appetite. Offer the individuals favorite foods between meals when they have relief from pain.
    
    
14. Have a list of the individual’s medications and dosage. This list should be updated frequently especially whenever any changes occur. This is helpful if for any reason the person is transferred to the hospital or goes to the doctors you can take it with you.
    
    
15. Individuals on pain medication often have difficulty moving their bowels. Offer fluids frequently during the day. Eight glasses of water a day is recommended. The use of the over the counter stool softener Colace is preferred instead of a harsh laxative.
    
    
16. The night hours from 12mn to 6am is the longest period of time for individuals in pain. They feel alone and sometimes feel forgotten.
    
    
17. When getting an individual ready for bed a hot cup of tea and a back massage with their pain medication might help to relax them enough to go to sleep.
    
    
18. Have some kind of a call system in place for the individual to be able to let you know if they are having more pain during the night.  A bell you can get from the Dollar store or a baby monitor can be used.
    
    
19. Remember you as the caregiver can improve the quality of life of the individual by giving pain medication as ordered.