Fundamental aspects of pain assessment and management - Karina McGann

Inadequate assessment and knowledge are the most frequent reasons for poor pain management. Nurses play a vital role in both the assessment and management of pain. They can make a real difference in patients’ lives by ensuring that their patients receive optimum levels of pain relief.
Providing information about a range of issues related to the many aspects of pain, this book is designed to introduce the reader to an overview of the different types of pain, the theory of pain and its assessment and subsequent management. The chapters are written by specialists who are actively involved in patient care within specific areas. The authors share their expert knowledge and hands on experience with the reader.
The book is intended to be read by student and newly qualified nurses and any other health care professionals who recognise a deficit in their knowledge. It can be read as a whole, giving sound knowledge on a broad spectrum of pain issues or it can be read by students who wish to update their knowledge in one specific area.The use of case studies encourages readers to reflect on examples within their practice setting, thinking about how the patient’s pain was managed and considering the issues involved.
A summary of key points with implications for nursing practice are given at the end of each chapter.
This book is intended as an introduction to pain.