Nursing Interventions for Acute Pain Management

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Introduction to Nursing Interventions for Acute Pain Management 

Pain is one of the most common reasons why people seek care in a hospital, and it is one of the most distressing symptoms of hospitalized patients. It is also directly linked to a patient’s satisfaction with their care: people are more likely to report being unhappy with their care if they had unrelieved pain during their stay.  

Most importantly, it is our job as nurses and healthcare providers to relieve the pain and suffering of the people in our care. There are legitimate concerns about the overuse and addictive nature of opioid pain relievers, and thankfully there are many alternative options. These non-opioid nursing interventions for acute pain management include non-opioid pain relievers, complementary techniques, and non-medication strategies. Nurses must regularly assess pain and collaborate with both the patient and provider to ensure that timely access to adequate pain relief is a priority of their care.  

This course will discuss the pathophysiology of acute pain, the classification of different types of pain, strategies for a comprehensive pain assessment, guidelines for treatment, and the different types of nursing interventions for acute pain management. 

Prevalence of Acute Pain  

Acute pain is a major problem for hospitalized patients and has been identified as a priority in the provision of quality and effective care. In addition, pain management has been identified by the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) project for nurses as a core competency under Patient-Centered Care (1). This is important because if not properly treated, pain can cause anxiety, depression, reduced healing, fatigue, non-compliance with treatment, and longer hospital stays (2). Pain is also costly in other ways: causing decreased productivity, income, and quality of life.  

Despite knowing the potential consequences of poor pain relief and having multiple modalities available as nursing interventions for acute pain, many patients are still inadequately managed for pain during hospitalization. A 2016 study of hospitalized patients in the UK found that between 38-84% of patients experienced pain, while 9-36% of patients experienced severe pain (3). In their R3 report published in 2017, the Joint Commission also acknowledges that under-treatment of pain still occurs in the hospital setting (4). This is because many barriers still exist that prevent patients from being treated appropriately for their pain. These potential barriers include (5): 

• Lack of knowledge or skills about nursing interventions for acute pain management 
• Heavy nursing workload or lack of time 
• Provider concerns about causing tolerance or addiction 
• Patient fears of side effects or addiction 
• Insufficient provider orders or time to premedicate patients before painful procedures 
• Providers focus on treating pathophysiology, rather than managing pain or other symptoms 

While all healthcare providers should aim to reduce a patient’s pain, nurses are in the unique position to make a difference with individual patients, as well as system-wide pain management protocols.

Pathophysiology of Pain  

There is no set definition of pain, but it is commonly defined as an unpleasant experience, usually related to underlying tissue damage or injury. Pain is a subjective experience and one that very much depends on the person experiencing it. What one person experiences as pain, another person may as a minor discomfort, and another may consider intolerable. It is a complex sensation, the experience of which involves the interaction of three different systems:  

Sensory/Discriminative System 

The actual sensation of and reaction to pain through sensory and afferent nerves, spinal cord, and brain stem. This system causes the body to try and remove itself from the source of the pain. 

Motivational/Affective System 

A person’s learned approach/avoidance behavior concerning pain, which occurs through the interaction of the brain stem, the reticular formation, and the limbic system. 

Cognitive/Evaluative System 

A person’s learned behavior towards the pain experience, including appropriate (and inappropriate) pain behaviors. This learned behavior can block or increase a person’s perception of their pain (6).

Anatomy and Physiology of Pain 

The nervous system is the primary body system responsible for the experience and interpretation of pain. The four main steps involved in this process are transduction, transmission, perception, and modulation. 

Step 1: Transduction 

The process of transduction begins with the afferent pathway, which is responsible for the actual detection of pain. Nociceptors are pain receptors found at the end of small afferent neurons that detect noxious stimuli, which include changes in temperature, pressure, and other mechanical or chemical stimuli. These nociceptors are found deep in the skin, muscles, tendons, and subcutaneous tissue and produce a large variety of different – and not all unpleasant – sensations. These can range from a cool breeze to a pleasant massage to cutting, crushing, and burning sensations. 

When these receptors are activated, they cause the release of chemical mediators, such as prostaglandins, substance P, serotonin, histamine, bradykinin, and potassium. Among other functions, these mediators generate an action potential by exchanging sodium and potassium at the cell membrane and activating and sensitizing the nociceptors to further stimulation by the stimuli.  

Step 2: Transmission 

The sensation travels along A- and C-nerve fibers to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. A-nerve fibers are lightly myelinated (insulated in a protein and fatty acid substance known as myelin, which allows nerve impulses to travel faster), while C-nerve fibers are unmyelinated. The thicker the nerve fiber (and myelin coating), the quicker that nerve impulses will travel. The table below shows the different types of these fibers and the sensations they detect. Nerve impulses travel the fastest along the A-alpha and A-beta fibers and slowest along the A-delta and C-nerve fibers.

Once these nerve signals reach the spinal cord, excitatory neurotransmitters cross the synaptic cleft with the nociceptive dorsal horn neurons (NDHN). The neurotransmitters involved in this process include: 

• Substance P 
• Nitric oxide 
• Bradykinin 
• Glutamate 
• Adenosine triphosphate 

From here, the nerve impulse travels up the spinal cord to the thalamus, where they are sent to different areas in the brain for processing.  

Step 3: Perception  

Pain perception translates all this nerve activity into a conscious and actual experience for the patient. This is facilitated by several different areas of the brain and central nervous system. 

Reticular Formation Tracts 

Reticular formation tracts are responsible for the recognition of and response to pain. For example, if you step on a tack, the reticular formation track recognizes the painful stimulation and causes you to move your foot quickly. This area is also responsible for the alert and attentive feeling that comes with pain. 

Limbic System 

The limbic system also plays a key role in the unpleasant emotional and behavioral response to pain and actions taken to reduce it. 

Thalamus 

The thalamus acts as a switchboard of sorts, helping to direct the pain signal to the different locations in the brain. Some parts of the thalamus also direct the motor, behavioral, and emotional responses that come with the presence of painful stimuli.  

Somatosensory Cortex 

The somatosensory cortex comprises two distinct regions in the parietal lobe of the brain that are responsible for receiving and processing sensory information from all over the body. This region receives information about painful stimuli and identifies the location, intensity, and type of pain. It also connects the current pain sensation with previous experiences with pain. 

Step 4: Modulation 

Modulation is the final step in the pain pathway. This process is the changing of pain impulse transmission in the spinal cord and is due to the descending modulatory pain pathways (DMPP). Endogenous hormones and substances are found within this pathway and help to either block pain signal transmission or increase it. Inhibitory neurotransmitters help to block the transmission of pain nerve impulses to relieve pain and include: 

• Acetylcholine 
• Oxytocin 
• Serotonin 
• Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) 
• Norepinephrine (noradrenalin) 
• Neurotensin 
• Endogenous opioids, such as enkephalins and endorphins 

Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the transmission of pain to the brain and are usually responsible for the increased mental alertness and cognition associated with a painful event.  

The Gate Control Theory is one of the most familiar theories of pain modulation. Under this theory, there are a series of gates found throughout the spinal cord. When these gates are open, pain messages are able to get through to the central nervous system, making the pain feel worse. Factors like stress, tension, anxiety, boredom, and lack of physical activity can all help to open those gates and worsen pain sensations.  

On the other hand, when those gates are closed, fewer pain messages get through to the central nervous system, reducing the pain experience. Factors that help to close the gates include feeling relaxed, regular exercise, distraction, certain medications, and other types of stimulation (such as massage, heat, ice, or acupuncture). This theory is often used to explain why non-medication nursing interventions for acute pain can be so effective.

Classification of Pain  

Pain can be classified based on its duration, location, quality, and intensity. Understanding these different types of pain can help the medical and nursing team plan appropriate nursing interventions for acute pain management. The figure below shows the organization and classification of these different types of pain.  

Duration of Pain 

One of the most common and important distinctions of pain is its duration. There are two classifications of pain based on duration: acute and chronic.  

Acute 

Acute pain is short-term pain that lasts less than six months. It is usually associated with a specific insult or injury, such as a broken leg, a ruptured appendix, or even childbirth. In most cases, once the cause is addressed and treated, the pain subsides. Acute pain is often described as sharp, stabbing, or burning. There are many effective nursing interventions for acute pain. 

Chronic 

Chronic pain, however, is far more complex. Chronic pain is pain that has lasted longer than 6 months and is not usually associated with a specific cause or injury. Headaches, fibromyalgia, and arthritis are all examples of this type of pain. Chronic pain can be described as sharp or intense, but it can also be described as dull, aching, or burning. In addition, chronic pain often has a psychological or emotional component, causing anxiety, insomnia, depression, and a decrease in a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. This type of pain is much more difficult to treat and can severely interfere with a patient’s quality of life. 

Location 

Pain can also be classified based upon the location where the pain is occurring. Both acute and chronic pain can be classified by any of these categories.  

Visceral Pain 

Visceral pain arises from the internal organs in the abdomen and pelvis, such as the intestines, female reproductive organs, kidneys, and liver. This type of pain is often described as diffuse, and it is often difficult to isolate where it is actually coming from. One reason for this is the phenomenon of referred pain, where the pain is actually experienced in a location different from the actual injury. Think about having left arm and shoulder pain during a heart attack.  

While the internal organs are mostly immune from injuries like lacerations or burning (short of a catastrophic injury), they are more likely to cause pain by inflammation, ischemia (death of tissue), and stretch (like overdistended intestines). Visceral pain is often described as pressure, dull, throbbing, or aching.  

Somatic Pain 

Somatic pain, on the other hand, is pain that is experienced in the skin, muscles, bones, and joints. While visceral pain is diffuse, somatic pain is usually well-localized and easy to determine where it is coming from. It is usually described as sharp, stabbing, aching, or burning. Somatic pain can result from an injury, such as a papercut, or an illness, such as arthritis or bone cancer.  

Somatic pain can be further categorized as deep or superficial, depending on where the injury occurs. 

Deep Pain 

Deep somatic pain comes from structures deep within the body. Think of bones, muscles, tendons, and joints. 

Superficial Pain 

Superficial somatic pain comes from structures closer to the surface of the body, like the skin and mucus membranes.

Pathophysiology 

The last main way to classify pain is based upon its cause or pathophysiology. There are three types of pain in this category: nociceptic, neuropathic, and psychogenic.  

Nociceptic Pain 

Nociceptic pain comes from an injury to the body tissues and is the type of pain that most people are familiar with. It can be acute, chronic, visceral, or deep pain. It covers many kinds of injuries or illnesses, from the simple paper cut or stubbing a toe to arthritis or cancer pain.  

Nociceptic pain is usually responsive to changes in the environment: shifting position, applying ice or a heat pack, or elevating the injured site.  

Neuropathic Pain 

Neuropathic pain arises from damage to the neurons in the peripheral or central nervous system itself. Familiar with the tingling associated with hitting your funny bone? That’s neuropathy: you’ve hit and temporarily injured the large nerve that runs through the elbow. Other common causes of neuropathies include multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, and even phantom limb pain.  

Unfortunately, neuropathic pain doesn’t respond well to changes in the environment and is more likely to develop into chronic pain. Damaged neurons or nervous tissue don’t heal quickly or easily. 

Psychogenic Pain 

Psychogenic pain is pain for which no underlying cause can be found and is attributed to psychological factors. It is no longer an official diagnosis and the term is not frequently used anymore, simply because we have a greater understanding of neuropathic and chronic pain disorders. The correct term is Persistent Somatoform Pain Disorder (PSPD), which is defined by the ICD-10 as:  

The predominant complaint is of persistent, severe, and distressing pain, which cannot be explained fully by a physiological process or a physical disorder, and which occurs in association with emotional conflict or psychosocial problems that are sufficient to allow the conclusion that they are the main causative influences. The result is usually a marked increase in support and attention, either personal or medical. Pain presumed to be of psychogenic origin occurring during the course of depressive disorders or schizophrenia should not be included here (8). 

However, the ICD-10 is being phased out and replaced by the ICD-11 in early 2022, which no longer acknowledges Persistent Somatoform Pain Disorder. Instead, this type of pain is referred to as Bodily Distress Disorder, and defined as: 

Bodily distress disorder is characterized by the presence of bodily symptoms that are distressing to the individual and excessive attention directed toward the symptoms, which may be manifest by repeated contact with health care providers. If another health condition is causing or contributing to the symptoms, the degree of attention is clearly excessive in relation to its nature and progression. Excessive attention is not alleviated by appropriate clinical examination and investigations and appropriate reassurance. Bodily symptoms are persistent, being present on most days for at least several months. Typically, bodily distress disorder involves multiple bodily symptoms that may vary over time. Occasionally there is a single symptom—usually pain or fatigue—that is associated with the other features of the disorder. The symptoms and associated distress and preoccupation have at least some impact on the individual’s functioning (e.g. strain in relationships, less effective academic or occupational functioning, abandonment of specific leisure activities). (9) 

Despite this changing definition, we do know that depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems can interact with pain, particularly chronic pain. Depression (anxiety, etc.) can worsen pain, and ongoing pain can significantly worsen associated psychological symptoms. As nurses, we should be mindful of and sensitive to these types of issues. 

Performing a Pain Assessment 

One of the most important nursing interventions for acute pain management is regular assessment of the patient’s pain and the effectiveness of their pain management plan.  

There are two main components of a pain assessment: health history/interview and a physical exam.  

Health History and Interview 

Assuming that you are working with an established patient, you don’t need to complete a full history or patient interview, but you should touch upon the relevant clinical factors about their pain. If this is a new admission or a new patient, you will need to perform the comprehensive initial history and assessment first.  

The PQRSTU mnemonic can help you remember all the different points you should hit during the interview to assess the characteristics of their pain. The table below shows the important questions that you should ask about a patient’s pain.

Pain Scales 

Pain scales are useful tools that the nurse can use to assess and rate a patient’s pain. There are several different scales that can be used in different clinical situations, and it is up to the nurse’s judgment to determine which is the most appropriate one to use.  

Number Rating Scale 

This is the most common pain scale, and the one that most people are familiar with. It is appropriate for adults (or older children) who are alert, oriented, and responsive. Ask the patient to rate their pain on a scale from one to ten, with one being no pain and ten being the worst pain they’ve ever had. 

Wong-Baker FACES 

This pain scale is very commonly used for children aged three and older. The scale uses six pictures of faces varying from a face without pain to a face with a lot of pain. To use it, the child is asked to pick which face represents how they are feeling.  

FLACC 

The FLACC scale is used for young children from ages 0-2 years of age. It stands for Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability. The nurse assesses each of these characteristics and assigns a score from zero to two. These scores are added together for a total score between zero and ten. The higher the number, the higher the patient’s pain is assumed to be. (10) 

CRIES 

The CRIES scale is also used for young infants who are greater than or equal to 38 weeks of gestational age. This scale is similar to the FLACC scale in that the nurse evaluates the infant based on five characteristics, assigning a score of zero to ten. The scores are totaled, where a score greater than 6 indicates the need for analgesia. The characteristics used by this scale are the presence of high-pitched cry, the requirement of oxygen to maintain oxygen saturation above 95%, increased blood pressure and pulse, facial expression, and sleeplessness. (11) 

CPOT 

The CPOT (Critical Care Pain Observation Tool) was developed to be used in critically ill patients who may not be able to verbalize their own pain. It is similar to the CRIES and FLACC scales: four different criteria are assessed on a scale from zero to two, with a maximum score (indicating the most pain) of eight. The domains used in this scale include facial expression, body movements, muscle tension, and compliance with mechanical ventilation (in intubated patients) or vocalization (in non-intubated patients) (12). 

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all available pain scales. You should defer to your institutional policies when appropriate. 

The patient should be assessed frequently, especially if they are having pain or receiving pain medication. The nurse should also ask about the presence of associated signs and symptoms: insomnia, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, itching, etc. Make sure to evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing interventions for acute pain by reassessing the pain level after administering analgesia or other non-pharmacological interventions.  

The nurse must always remember that pain is what the patient says it is, regardless of their body language. If the patient states that their pain is a level 7, but is laughing and hanging out with family members, the nurse must document and act as if the pain level is a 7.

Physical Exam 

The physical exam should also be abbreviated and limited to what is actually relevant to the patient’s pain, if appropriate. Make sure to get a set of vital signs and then examine the area that is causing pain.  

• Look for redness/swelling/warmth of the skin. 
• If the pain is related to a recent surgical procedure, check out the surgical wound and surrounding tissue.  
• Palpate gently, if safe and appropriate, to determine where the pain might be coming from. 
• If the pain is in a joint or muscle, perform gentle range of motion exercises to see what movements trigger the pain. 

If the pain is new, make sure to notify the provider in case it signals a change in status.

Non-Pharmacological Nursing Interventions for Acute Pain 

For patients with mild pain, non-pharmacological nursing interventions for acute pain can sometimes be very effective. They can also work well in conjunction with pain medications and other nursing interventions for acute pain.  

Acupressure 

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese modality that has been used for generations. By applying pressure to certain points on the body, the belief is that you can help to restore the flow of energy and balance throughout the body. Though acupressure is mostly considered safe, there are some points that should not be stimulated in pregnant women as they might stimulate labor. Press firmly and use an up-and-down or circular movement for several minutes. Make sure to stop or ease up pressure if the motion causes worsening pain or discomfort.  

Acupuncture 

Acupuncture is also a traditional Chinese modality that has recently gained popularity in the United States and other Western countries. It is believed that the insertion of small needles into the skin at specific points helps to stimulate endorphin release and trigger other pain-relieving changes in the brain. The needles are left in place for 10 to 30 minutes at a time so the patient can rest. The needles are then removed, and the treatment is repeated several times. Acupuncture is quite safe but should only be performed by a licensed practitioner. Research about effectiveness is mixed, but it may be worth a try for patients with complicated or chronic pain.  

Aromatherapy 

The use of essential oils is an ancient therapeutic modality that dates back hundreds of years and has gained popularity in recent years. It involves the absorption of essential oils through the skin or olfactory system to reduce pain, nausea, muscle tension, anxiety, and depression. Studies on the effectiveness of aromatherapy vary. One review of nine randomized controlled trials was split nearly 50/50: Five studies found that aromatherapy could be effective for postoperative pain, and four found no statistical difference associated with aromatherapy use (13).  

Distraction 

Distraction is quite an effective and simple nursing intervention for acute pain. Remember the gate theory of pain? Distraction is one of those factors that can help to close the pain gates, which reduces the experience of pain. In fact, the presence of strong sensory input can help a person be unaware of their pain.  

Music 

Music therapy works similarly to distraction. It gives the person something else to focus on apart from their discomfort. When using this nursing intervention for acute pain, the nurse must remember to let the patient select the type of music that they prefer to listen to.  

Heat 

The application of a heating pad or hot water bottle may stimulate the closure of the pain gates, reducing pain and discomfort. It may also stimulate the release of endorphins, which also reduce pain. The patient should be reminded to not lie directly on the heat source due to the risk of burns. If the nurse applies the heating pad, the site should be reassessed frequently to reduce the possibility of injury. 

Cold

Applying a cold or ice pack works similarly. Cold can relieve inflammation and pain, and promotes healing. It works best over inflamed joints. Like applying heat, the nurse must carefully and frequently assess the patient’s skin to ensure that injury does not occur and remove the ice if the patient feels numbness, aching, or burning. Ice can be particularly effective before a needle puncture or injection. 

Guided Imagery 

This nursing intervention for acute pain involves the nurse sitting close to the patient and helping them to create a calming and relaxing image in their mind. The nurse speaks quietly, helping the patient to concentrate on the image and relax.  

Massage 

Massage is a great technique to soothe tense muscles and promote relaxation and sleep. This touch stimulation may trigger the release of endorphins or help to close the pain gates responsible for pain transmission.  

Biofeedback 

Biofeedback is a type of behavioral therapy that is taught to the patient over several weeks. It allows the patient to visualize physiological responses and eventually learn to control them. This technique is particularly beneficial for people with headaches or muscle tension.  

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) 

This technique uses a special device that produces a mild electrical current through the skin via external electrodes. The machine produces a buzzing or tingling sensation, the intensity of which can be controlled by the patient in response to the pain they are feeling. This treatment does require a physician’s order, and the nurse should help the patient with hair removal if needed before applying the electrodes.

Analgesics as Nursing Interventions for Acute Pain 

For patients with pain that does not respond to non-pharmacological measures, analgesics may be more effective. There are three types of pain medication: 

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and non-opioids 
2. Opioids or narcotics 
3. Adjuvants 

Non-Opioid Analgesics 

Non-opioid analgesics can be used to treat mild to moderate pain and are often combined with opioid pain relievers to enhance their effectiveness. The two main types of drugs in this category are cyclooxygenase inhibitors and acetaminophen.  

Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors 

Cyclooxygenase inhibitors are mostly made up of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin. Cyclooxygenase, or COX, is an enzyme in the pathway to synthesize prostaglandin, a key inflammatory hormone-like substance, from arachidonic acid. When produced, prostaglandins have several different effects on their target organs and are known to contribute to nociceptic pain.  

There are two types of COX enzymes: COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is found primarily on the gastric mucosa, kidneys, and blood vessels. Inhibition of this enzyme is believed to contribute to renal toxicity and gastrointestinal effects. COX-2 enzymes are activated by the processes causing pain, fever, and inflammation.  

Selective COX-2 inhibitors were introduced as an alternative to non-selective COX-1/COX-2 inhibitors with the goal of reducing the gastric side effects linked to COX-1 inhibition. However, the drugs were quickly linked with some potentially serious cardiovascular safety concerns, including myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, and other thromboembolic diseases (14). Most of these medications were removed from the market, and the FDA recommended limiting the use of celecoxib (Celebrex), the remaining selective COX-2 inhibitor. 

Salicylates, like aspirin, are non-selective COX inhibitors, and they also inhibit platelet aggregation, block pain impulses, and may act on the hypothalamus to reduce fever and pain. The table below shows selected medications belonging to the COX inhibitor class of drugs.

Acetaminophen 

Acetaminophen is thought to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system. It also reduces fever and inflammation, though less effectively than the COX inhibitors. It is used to treat mild to moderate pain and can also be used as a fever reducer. Dosing in children depends on their age and weight, but in adults, the dose is typically 650mg q4 hours or 1,000mg q6 hours, with the maximum daily dose to not exceed 4g per day. Patients with a history of liver failure should not exceed 2g per day. 

Acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver, but larger doses can cause the accumulation of a hepatotoxic metabolite that can build up and cause liver damage. Hepatotoxicity is the primary adverse effect of acetaminophen, and the nurse should carefully counsel patients to be aware of hidden sources of the drug in cold medicine and other combination products. 

Acetaminophen overdose is a medical emergency and is often fatal secondary to hepatotoxicity. There are four phases of acetaminophen overdose: 

Phase 1 – Occurs within the first 2 to 24 hours after ingestion. 

The patient experiences symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. 

Phase 2 – Occurs 24 to 72 hours after ingestion. 

The patient may be feeling better, though right upper abdominal pain often persists. Serum liver enzymes, bilirubin, and prothrombin time begin to rise. 

Phase 3 – Occurs 72 to 96 hours after ingestion. 

Symptoms begin to reappear, including nausea/vomiting, jaundice, confusion, and coma. Even more dramatic rises in liver enzymes and other markers will be present.  

Phase 4 – Occurs 6 to 7 days after ingestion. 

Liver enzymes begin to trend back towards normal and hepatic damage may begin to resolve. However, depending on the amount of acetaminophen ingested, the treatment, and the extent of liver damage that occurs, full hepatic failure and death is possible.

The treatment for acetaminophen overdose includes gastric lavage, administration of activated charcoal, and acetylcysteine every 4 hours (started within the first 8 hours after ingestion) for 18 doses. Acetylcysteine interferes with the formation of hepatotoxic metabolites. In addition to administering medication and providing supportive care, the nurse will need to follow plasma acetaminophen levels.  

Opioid Pain Management  

Opioid pain relievers are a nursing intervention for acute pain that is usually reserved for cases of severe pain, such as cancer or post-surgical pain, or moderate pain that is not well-controlled with other types of drugs. This class of medication acts directly on receptors in the central nervous system in a few different ways: they block transmission of nociception from the peripheral nerves to the spinal cord, change the activity of the limbic system in the brain, and modulate the descending inhibitory pathways in the spinal column to prevent transmission of pain signals.  

There are three types of opioid receptors: mu, kappa, and delta, and drugs are classified based on their response at these receptors.  

• Pure Agonists bind directly to mu receptors to relieve pain 
• Partial Agonists work similarly to pure agonists but don‘t produce the same full response as pure agonists. As the dosage gets higher, the analgesic effect will not increase, but the potential for side effects does.  
• Mixed Agonists-Antagonists act as an agonist to produce analgesia at the kappa receptors but as an antagonist at the mu receptors.  
• Antagonists bind to receptors and competitively block other opioids from binding there.  

Morphine sulfate is the prototype opioid prescribed for pain and the drug against which the other opioids are compared. It is the drug of choice for cancer patients and is often used for other types of moderate to severe pain. In addition to producing analgesia, morphine has several other clinically useful effects, including reduction of the emotional response to pain, suppression of the cough reflex, reduction of cardiac workload, and reduction of anxiety. Because of this, morphine is an effective nursing intervention for acute pain management. 

In addition to morphine, there are many other options for opioid pain relievers. The table below shows some common drugs in this class of medication.

Opioid medications do carry the risk of some serious side effects, which the nurse must monitor for. Side effects include: 

• Constipation 
• Itching 
• Respiratory depression 
• Vertigo/lightheadedness 
• Confusion 
• Nausea/vomiting 
• Hypotension 

Due to their similar nature, many of the opioids produce similar effects in varying degrees. However, opioid antagonists are the exception and cause very different side effects, which can include: 

• Nausea/vomiting 
• Hypertension 
• Dizziness 
• Abdominal pain 
• Insomnia 
• Weakness 
• Headache 
• Muscle pain 

There is also a risk of allergy, which can occur with any of the major opioid drugs, including morphine. The nurse must be especially careful of this risk and other adverse effects when administering opioids to an opioid-naïve patient.

Adjunct Analgesics 

Adjunct, or adjuvant drugs are the final type of medications that are used for analgesia. These drugs are often combined with analgesics to enhance pain relief. Sometimes, these drugs are used on their own to manage specific types of pain. There are many different types of adjuvants, depending on the patient’s needs and clinical situation.  

Corticosteroids 

Corticosteroids are primarily used to manage acute and chronic cancer pain, pain due to spinal compression, and pain affecting the musculoskeletal system. Though the exact mechanism is unknown, corticosteroids are known to reduce swelling, inflammation, and edema. However, corticosteroids do cause some serious side effects, including hyperglycemia, increased susceptibility to infection, reduced immune system function, and suppression of adrenal function. Dexamethasone, prednisone, and methylprednisolone are the three most prescribed corticosteroids. Corticosteroid injections are one of the most common nursing interventions for acute pain management of arthritis and joint pain. 

Antidepressants 

A class of antidepressants, known as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can be used with opioid or non-opioid pain relievers to help relieve pain. They are most effective for neuropathic pain and may work by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft, preventing the transmission of pain signals. Doses for TCAs tend to be lower when used to treat pain than the dose used to manage depression. The most common side effects are weight gain, loss of sexual desire, dry mouth, orthostatic hypotension, and urinary retention. 

Antiepileptic Drugs 

Antiepileptic or antiseizure drugs affect the central nervous system in several different ways that can reduce neuropathic pain. They modulate amino acids and neurotransmitters in a way that reduces the transmission of pain signals between the periphery and central nervous system. These drugs tend to be used for chronic pain disorders, such as diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. 

Antihistamines 

Some antihistamines, particularly hydroxyzine, have been found to have analgesic, anxiolytic, and sedative properties that can be useful in patients with acute or chronic pain. 

Local Anesthetics 

Local anesthetics are a great option for well-localized pain, usually in the skin or superficial structures. Topical EMLA creams work well to minimize the pain due to venipuncture, intravenous line insertion, or other simple procedures. Lidocaine or prilocaine can be injected into the tissue to help with pain associated with invasive procedures, while patches can be used to manage post-herpetic lesions and neuropathies. 

Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonists 

Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists may decrease the release of peripheral norepinephrine and work on the central alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, both of which may help to reduce chronic headache and neuropathic pain. The drugs from this class that are most commonly prescribed for pain are clonidine (Catapres) and zanidine (Zanaflex). Side effects are mild, but may include dry mouth, orthostatic hypotension, and sedation.  

GABA Receptor Agonists 

More commonly known as muscle relaxants, GABA receptor agonists work best on neuropathic pain and muscle spasms. These drugs block the transmission of pain impulses and can decrease spasticity. 

It may take time and trial and error to find a regimen that works. The nurse’s role in the assessment and evaluation of different nursing interventions for acute pain plays a crucial role in helping patients be as comfortable as possible. Most importantly, the nurse must advocate for patients who are struggling with pain management in the acute care setting.

Nursing Care of Patients Receiving Analgesia 

The nursing care plan is an invaluable tool when caring for a patient with acute pain. 

Assessment 

The nurse should start with an assessment, as described earlier in this module. For a new complaint of pain, the nurse should perform a more comprehensive assessment: determine if there are other symptoms, ask about the characteristics of their pain (PQRSTU questions), and perform a physical examination as needed.  

When caring for someone with known or expected pain, such as a post-surgical patient or after a broken ankle, the assessment could be more focused on the patient’s current pain level. Even in these situations, you should continue to perform a complete assessment at least once per shift or according to your institutional policies.  

Make sure to report any new or unexpected complaints of pain or abnormal assessment findings to the provider and document them in the patient’s chart.

Identifying Goals and Planning 

Based on the data identified during the assessment, the nurse will formulate goals and objectives to meet the patient’s needs. The primary goal for someone with acute pain is relief from that pain, but there may be other goals that are also appropriate. They may include: 

• Improved physical mobility 
• Improved self-care 
• Decreased anxiety 
• Improved rest and sleep 
• Relief from analgesic side effects 

Creating a concept map can be a useful tool to help identify potential problem statements and the relationship between them, as pain is often interrelated with other health problems. 

Once goals are set, it is important to establish criteria against which the goals are measured. For example, you may identify that your patient will have a tolerable amount of pain upon discharge from the hospital. Your expected outcome may be that their pain level is consistently reported to be at a 4 or below.  

A comprehensive pain management plan must consider the entire interdisciplinary care team. Did the medical provider enter orders for pain management medications? Are they appropriate? (For example, a simple acetaminophen order after a surgical procedure may not be sufficient to deal with post-surgical pain). Is the physical therapist planning to start mobility exercises to get the patient back on their feet? Does the patient want to speak with a clergy member to help focus on spiritual health? Is a pain management specialist needed? Having the appropriate team members in place makes it more likely that the patient will achieve the planned outcomes. 

Implementation 

Depending on the extent of the patient’s pain, you’ll use your nursing judgment to select and implement nursing interventions for acute pain to address it. For mild pain, non-pharmacological measures may suffice; for severe pain, regular administration of opioid pain relievers (as ordered) may be the best course of action. For these patients, it is important to stick with the scheduled doses as closely as possible because the pain becomes much harder to treat once it becomes severe. 

Once you get their pain under control, it is important to begin teaching and involving the patient in their own care. Non-pharmacological comfort measures, wellness strategies, what to expect during the healing period are all important for the nurse to teach the patient. This information helps them become more capable of caring for themselves and promotes both physical and emotional healing. 

Evaluation 

Remember those expected outcome statements you created earlier in the planning stage? Well, now is when you’ll put them to use by comparing those expected outcomes to the actual outcomes experienced by the patient. The best way to evaluate patient outcomes is to ask the patient themself. Key questions could include: 

• Are you still having pain? 
• What is your current pain level? 
• Have you experienced any side effects from your treatment? 
• How is your pain limiting your ability to function or perform your activities of daily living? 
• How is the treatment affecting your ability to perform activities of daily living? 
• Are you able to rest? 
• Are you able to eat comfortably? 
• And any other questions that could apply to the patient‘s specific problem statement.  

If the patient is unable to communicate, the family could also be a useful source of information. It is important for the nurse to explicitly ask these questions: some patients may not readily volunteer this information or be afraid to mention that they are still in pain or having side effects.  

In addition to speaking with the patient (or family) directly, objective data can also provide useful information, particularly about potential side effects, such as oversedation or respiratory depression. The nurse should collect data, such as: 

• Vital signs 
• Level of consciousness  
• Sedation 
• Oxygen saturation 

If the data suggests that the patient’s pain is under control and there are no bothersome side effects, then great! In this situation, you’ll continue to care for the patient according to the care plan and periodically evaluate the patient to ensure continued success.  

If, however, the patient is still experiencing unacceptable amounts of pain or having side effects (whether they are dangerous or just uncomfortable), then the nurse will need to immediately make changes to the plan. This may include administering a second dose of medication, speaking to the provider about adding additional pain medication, adding in alternative methods of pain management, or discontinuing a medication that is causing side effects, and obtaining an order for a different option.  

The nurse must continue to check in with the patient and provide reassurance and education about pain management. For example, if the patient complains that intravenous pain medication is not working 5 minutes after administration, the nurse should reassure the patient that the medication will have peak effectiveness at about 15 to 30 minutes, and they’ll check back then. 

Nursing Interventions for Acute Pain in Special Populations  

Pain management strategies may need to be adjusted when caring for certain populations. Three populations that will always need special consideration are infants and children, older adults, and people with a history of addiction. 

Infants and Children 

Healthcare providers used to believe that infants did not feel pain and would not provide pain medication for certain invasive procedures, such as circumcision (15). Thankfully, we now know that this is not correct, or ethical for that matter, and medicate infants appropriately for painful procedures.  

While the process is the same as with adult patients, assessment tools and treatments must be modified to work for the developmental ages of the young kids they are caring for. Pain scales like the FACES, FLACC, and other scales specifically designed for use in pediatric patients should be used when assessing for pain, and the nurse can also rely on input from the parents. As discussed earlier, these scales rely on the nurse’s own observations of the child to determine pain level, rather than asking the child to describe their pain, which they may not be able to do.  

Older children and adolescents are more likely to be able to verbalize their pain, making it more appropriate for the nurse to ask these kids directly. 

When administering pain medication to children, especially infants or very young children, the nurse must be extremely careful when drawing up and administering intravenous medications. Some institutions may even require that a second nurse be present to review the order, medication label, prepared medication, and patient ID band before a narcotic is administered. Frequent assessments should be performed to reduce the risk of serious adverse reactions. 

Older Adults 

Age-related changes can influence not only a patient’s experience of pain but also how they metabolize pain medication. Older adults are more likely to suffer from multiple health conditions, which can make the assessment process a bit more confusing. This would require the nurse to perform a more in-depth or comprehensive assessment to determine the source and type of pain that a patient is experiencing. In addition, the nurse must take a careful medication history, as they are at higher risk for side effects and drug interactions. Other factors that could increase a person’s risk for adverse effects include (16, 17): 

• Slowing of gastrointestinal function that slows the absorption rate of medications 
• Decreased renal or hepatic function 
• Decreased muscle, fat, and bone mass, which can lead to a higher risk of overdose 
• Poor nutrition causing decreased albumin levels, which may be an issue with protein-bound drugs 
• Thinner skin, which can impact absorption of topical medications  

The nurse must be careful to take these factors into account when administering narcotics or other pain medications to an older adult, and monitor them closely for side effects, adverse reactions, or drug interactions.  

In addition, older adults may be more likely to suffer from cognitive impairments, like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, which could impact their ability to accurately communicate or report their pain. Again, the nurse must be aware of these limitations and use the appropriate tools when working with these patients. 

Safety is a major concern for this population as well, particularly when administering medications that can increase drowsiness, dizziness, or the risk for falling. The nurse must be careful to check on the patient frequently, provide assistance with ambulation and place the call bell or other needed items within easy reach of the patient.

People with a History of Addiction 

People with a history of addiction pose a unique challenge to the implementation of pain management strategies. Patients in recovery are often concerned about the risk of relapse, whether they were addicted to opioids, alcohol, or other substances. And patients who are actively using may be concerned about withdrawal while being in the hospital, or even whether their pain will be taken seriously given their history.  

Healthcare providers may also struggle with providing opioids for patients with a history of substance abuse: they may be worried about diversion or overtreatment of pain or be distrustful of a patient’s report of pain (18). 

When treating opioid-dependent patients with narcotics for pain, they will likely need higher doses to achieve pain relief. The nurse must carefully monitor patients in this situation due to the risk of toxicity. The addition of adjuvants may also be particularly useful in this population. (18).  

Patients who refuse opioid treatment due to the risk of relapse should be respected; this may mean finding other viable alternatives, such as non-opioid adjuvants, local or regional medications (like an epidural or spinal block), and non-pharmacological methods of pain relief. 

Conclusion 

Acute pain is a public health emergency. If left untreated, pain can lead to depression, anxiety, reduced healing, non-compliance with medical treatment, longer hospital stays, poor quality of life, and even reduced patient satisfaction with the healthcare facility. However, treating pain is not simple. It is a complex phenomenon that is experienced differently by everyone and influenced by many different factors. The nurse plays a vital role in identifying patients with unrelieved pain and advocating for better pain management strategies. 

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