Nursing 4400A/B Lecture 3: Week 3 Reading Notes
16 Dec 2015
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Always consider a comprehensive multi-model strategy for managing pain in palliative care. Suggested is starting with nonopioid drugs or nsaids, progressing to a combination opioid if pain continues to progress. If required, next step is a strong opioid. These analgesics can be combined adjuvant drugs ex. corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, antidepressants. If used correctly, this ladder has been shown to lead to adequate control of pain in 70-100% of patients. Upon tissue damage, peripheral nerves transmit information to te spinal cord, which is then relayed to the brain. This triggers a reflex to withdraw a body part from the stimulus, and we know this as pain. 3 types of pain: acute, chronic, cancer related. Acute and chronic travel along different nerve tracks. Acute pain can be described as fast, and chronic pain can be described as slow, but the key point of pain is to serve as a warning. Physical signs of pain include restlessness, tachycardia, hypertension, and diaphoresis.
