Pain is the body's way of telling us something is wrong. It has a sensory and emotional compo... more Pain is the body's way of telling us something is wrong. It has a sensory and emotional component. This three-part series focuses on acute pain, describing the physiology of a normal and well-behaved pain pathway and how this relates to commonly used pain-management strategies. This first article introduces the pain system and how the body detects a threatening (noxious) stimulus. Part two describes how that pain message is transmitted to the spinal cord and the brain, and the response of the brain to the stimulus. The third article discusses the assessment of pain.
Pain is the body's way of telling us something is wrong, and has a sensory and emotional comp... more Pain is the body's way of telling us something is wrong, and has a sensory and emotional component. This three-part series focuses on acute pain, describing the physiology of a normal and well-behaved pain pathway and how this relates to commonly used pain management strategies. The first article introduced the pain system and how the body detects a threatening (noxious) stimulus. This article describes how that "pain message" is transmitted to the spinal cord and the brain and how the brain responds to the stimulus, while identifying pain relief strategies linked to the physiological process. Part 3, to be published next week, discusses pain assessment.
Pain affects patients physically and emotionally, so successfully managing the pain they experien... more Pain affects patients physically and emotionally, so successfully managing the pain they experience is a key component of their recovery. This third article in a series on pain looks at why it is important to assess pain in adults and how this can best be done. The causes and symptoms of chronic and acute pain are detailed, along with the different assessment tools that can be used and for which patients they are suitable.
To evaluate the use of LabTutor (a physiological data capture and e-learning package) in bioscien... more To evaluate the use of LabTutor (a physiological data capture and e-learning package) in bioscience education for student nurses. Knowledge of biosciences is important for nurses the world over, who have to monitor and assess their patient's clinical condition, and interpret that information to determine the most appropriate course of action. Nursing students have long been known to find acquiring useable bioscience knowledge challenging. Blended learning strategies are common in bioscience teaching to address the difficulties students have. Student nurses have a preference for hands-on learning, small group sessions and are helped by close juxtaposition of theory and practice. An evaluation of a new teaching method using in-classroom voluntary questionnaire. A structured survey instrument including statements and visual analogue response format and open questions was given to students who participated in Labtutor sessions. The students provided feedback in about the equipment, the learning and the session itself. First year (n = 93) and third year (n = 36) students completed the evaluation forms. The majority of students were confident about the equipment and using it to learn although a few felt anxious about computer-based learning. They all found the equipment helpful as part of their bioscience education and they all enjoyed the sessions. This equipment provides a helpful way to encourage guided independent learning through practice and discovery and because each session is case study based and the relationship of the data to the patient is made clear. Our students helped to evaluate our initial use of LabTutor and found the sessions enjoyable and helpful. LabTutor provides an effective learning tool as part of a blended learning strategy for biosciences teaching. Improving bioscience knowledge will lead to a greater understanding of pathophysiology, treatments and interventions and monitoring.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs are one of the mainstays of pain management for pa... more Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs are one of the mainstays of pain management for patients with osteoarthritis. But there are risks associated with taking NSAIDS, including dyspepsia, renal and gastric complications, and an increased risk of thrombosis.
The recent Health Service Ombudsman report Care and Compassion? revealed examples of the appall... more The recent Health Service Ombudsman report Care and Compassion? revealed examples of the appalling way some of the older people in our care are treated.
In addition to starving, dehydrating and disrespecting people, it seems we are also incapable of managing their pain. If this were in any other circumstances, we would call it torture.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful, progressive joint disorder that can cause stiffness, fatigue, d... more Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful, progressive joint disorder that can cause stiffness, fatigue, depression and anxiety. OA management includes medical, surgical, and complementary techniques.
This article discusses pharmacological management of OA, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids, and non-pharmacological management, including weight reduction, acupuncture and joint replacement surgery.
The third part of this series, to be published online, will cover the physical, psychological and social impact of OA including details about the mechanism of pain itself.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a synovial joint disorder characterised by pain, stiffness, and restricted... more Osteoarthritis (OA) is a synovial joint disorder characterised by pain, stiffness, and restricted function. It is often classed as a degenerative disease because the affected joints deteriorate over time.
This article, the first in a three-part series, describes the complex pathophysiology and causes of pain in OA, risk factors, and how it is diagnosed.
Chapter 16 Box 16.1 The important stages of pain management A Assess the pain by asking the perso... more Chapter 16 Box 16.1 The important stages of pain management A Assess the pain by asking the person and never make assumptions. B Believe the person who is in pain, no matter how chal-lenging that might be. C Choose pain control options that are suitable, based on ...
Pain is the body's way of telling us something is wrong. It has a sensory and emotional compo... more Pain is the body's way of telling us something is wrong. It has a sensory and emotional component. This three-part series focuses on acute pain, describing the physiology of a normal and well-behaved pain pathway and how this relates to commonly used pain-management strategies. This first article introduces the pain system and how the body detects a threatening (noxious) stimulus. Part two describes how that pain message is transmitted to the spinal cord and the brain, and the response of the brain to the stimulus. The third article discusses the assessment of pain.
Pain is the body's way of telling us something is wrong, and has a sensory and emotional comp... more Pain is the body's way of telling us something is wrong, and has a sensory and emotional component. This three-part series focuses on acute pain, describing the physiology of a normal and well-behaved pain pathway and how this relates to commonly used pain management strategies. The first article introduced the pain system and how the body detects a threatening (noxious) stimulus. This article describes how that "pain message" is transmitted to the spinal cord and the brain and how the brain responds to the stimulus, while identifying pain relief strategies linked to the physiological process. Part 3, to be published next week, discusses pain assessment.
Pain affects patients physically and emotionally, so successfully managing the pain they experien... more Pain affects patients physically and emotionally, so successfully managing the pain they experience is a key component of their recovery. This third article in a series on pain looks at why it is important to assess pain in adults and how this can best be done. The causes and symptoms of chronic and acute pain are detailed, along with the different assessment tools that can be used and for which patients they are suitable.
To evaluate the use of LabTutor (a physiological data capture and e-learning package) in bioscien... more To evaluate the use of LabTutor (a physiological data capture and e-learning package) in bioscience education for student nurses. Knowledge of biosciences is important for nurses the world over, who have to monitor and assess their patient's clinical condition, and interpret that information to determine the most appropriate course of action. Nursing students have long been known to find acquiring useable bioscience knowledge challenging. Blended learning strategies are common in bioscience teaching to address the difficulties students have. Student nurses have a preference for hands-on learning, small group sessions and are helped by close juxtaposition of theory and practice. An evaluation of a new teaching method using in-classroom voluntary questionnaire. A structured survey instrument including statements and visual analogue response format and open questions was given to students who participated in Labtutor sessions. The students provided feedback in about the equipment, the learning and the session itself. First year (n = 93) and third year (n = 36) students completed the evaluation forms. The majority of students were confident about the equipment and using it to learn although a few felt anxious about computer-based learning. They all found the equipment helpful as part of their bioscience education and they all enjoyed the sessions. This equipment provides a helpful way to encourage guided independent learning through practice and discovery and because each session is case study based and the relationship of the data to the patient is made clear. Our students helped to evaluate our initial use of LabTutor and found the sessions enjoyable and helpful. LabTutor provides an effective learning tool as part of a blended learning strategy for biosciences teaching. Improving bioscience knowledge will lead to a greater understanding of pathophysiology, treatments and interventions and monitoring.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs are one of the mainstays of pain management for pa... more Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs are one of the mainstays of pain management for patients with osteoarthritis. But there are risks associated with taking NSAIDS, including dyspepsia, renal and gastric complications, and an increased risk of thrombosis.
The recent Health Service Ombudsman report Care and Compassion? revealed examples of the appall... more The recent Health Service Ombudsman report Care and Compassion? revealed examples of the appalling way some of the older people in our care are treated.
In addition to starving, dehydrating and disrespecting people, it seems we are also incapable of managing their pain. If this were in any other circumstances, we would call it torture.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful, progressive joint disorder that can cause stiffness, fatigue, d... more Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful, progressive joint disorder that can cause stiffness, fatigue, depression and anxiety. OA management includes medical, surgical, and complementary techniques.
This article discusses pharmacological management of OA, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids, and non-pharmacological management, including weight reduction, acupuncture and joint replacement surgery.
The third part of this series, to be published online, will cover the physical, psychological and social impact of OA including details about the mechanism of pain itself.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a synovial joint disorder characterised by pain, stiffness, and restricted... more Osteoarthritis (OA) is a synovial joint disorder characterised by pain, stiffness, and restricted function. It is often classed as a degenerative disease because the affected joints deteriorate over time.
This article, the first in a three-part series, describes the complex pathophysiology and causes of pain in OA, risk factors, and how it is diagnosed.
Chapter 16 Box 16.1 The important stages of pain management A Assess the pain by asking the perso... more Chapter 16 Box 16.1 The important stages of pain management A Assess the pain by asking the person and never make assumptions. B Believe the person who is in pain, no matter how chal-lenging that might be. C Choose pain control options that are suitable, based on ...
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In addition to starving, dehydrating and disrespecting people, it seems we are also incapable of managing their pain. If this were in any other circumstances, we would call it torture.
This article discusses pharmacological management of OA, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids, and non-pharmacological management, including weight reduction, acupuncture and joint replacement surgery.
The third part of this series, to be published online, will cover the physical, psychological and social impact of OA including details about the mechanism of pain itself.
This article, the first in a three-part series, describes the complex pathophysiology and causes of pain in OA, risk factors, and how it is diagnosed.
In addition to starving, dehydrating and disrespecting people, it seems we are also incapable of managing their pain. If this were in any other circumstances, we would call it torture.
This article discusses pharmacological management of OA, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids, and non-pharmacological management, including weight reduction, acupuncture and joint replacement surgery.
The third part of this series, to be published online, will cover the physical, psychological and social impact of OA including details about the mechanism of pain itself.
This article, the first in a three-part series, describes the complex pathophysiology and causes of pain in OA, risk factors, and how it is diagnosed.