ABSTRACT
Preventing pain, therefore, improves physical and physiological outcomes, enabling earlier discharge. Pain is frequently a problem for patients in acute hospitals, yet knowledge of pain, and, therefore, its management, is often limited (Carr, 2000; Twycross, 2002; Coulling, 2005). This chapter outlines the main causes of pain in acute illness and how to relieve it. Neuropathic pain is briefly discussed. Analgesics and common side effects are described, but readers wanting further information about pharmacokinetics should consult pharmacology texts. Pain is individual to each patient, so needs individual assessment, and individualised treatment (McCaffery and Pasero, 1999). Acute pain is usually a symptom of a problem. So although pain relief should be provided, causes for the pain should also be investigated.
