ACUTE Pain Managemnt

Question 1

What is acute pain

Answer 1

Pain that last for less than 3 months

Question 2

What are the principles of acute pain management

Answer 2

Needing both non pharmalogical and pharmalogical therapy
Use analgesia for the shortest period of time
Prophylaxis pain management is acceptable esp when it is predicable ( post opp, acute herpes zoster)
Do not use controlled relapse opioid due risk of respiratory depression, delayed onset of action, prolonged duration of action making adjustments and titrations impossible

Question 3

When should you reconsider pathology of pain( when to refer/ when medication isn’t working

Answer 3

• changes in pattern of pain
• if pain is becoming chronic
• increase in severity
• responds poorly to appropriate management

Question 4

What are non pharmacological therapies of pain

Answer 4

Physical intervention - apply heat or cold to site of pain, warm soak,physical exercise is important as it helps reduce pain by releasing endogenous opioids, reduces manifestation to chronic pain and reduces down time

Phycological intervention-relaxation( deep breathing), stress ball

Question 5

Pharmacological therapy for acute pain

Answer 5

Acute pain requires a multimodal ( multiple drug ) regime to control pain. Main aim is to reduce severity and duration or pain
- medications used
- non opioid analgesic- paracetamol and nsaids
- opioids- tramadol, codeine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, methadone, Fentynal,,tapentadol,
Adjuvants- pregablin, gabapentnoids, tca, Ssri/Nri

Question 6

Management for noiceptive pain

Answer 6