When a patient comes into the ER with pain, it’s important to provide them with appropriate care. One of the most effective ways to do this is through observation. Observing your patients means taking the time to examine their condition and symptoms before determining a treatment plan. In this guide, I’ll explain pain management observation and how you can use it in your practice.
What Is Pain Management Observation
Together, the patient and the provider can recognize and treat pain through the process of pain management observation. According to Dr. William Siefert, it differs from routine observation in that it concentrates on how well you are managing your pain rather than just looking for signs of labor.
Pain management observation can be helpful for both mother and baby:
Knowing the body helps moms during labor. This guarantee may help them choose an epidural or natural childbirth without painkillers. Babies should know what makes their moms uncomfortable to enjoy birth and stay healthy.
Do They Have COPD, Diabetes, Or Heart Problems
If the patient has other medical issues, such as COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or diabetes, you should be aware of them and how they will affect pain management.
Dr. William Siefert Long-term lung illness and COPD make breathing difficult. Smoking, toxins, air pollution, and genetics can cause it. Phlegm-filled coughs, wheezing, and shortness of breath during exertion are symptoms. Diabetes affects blood sugar regulation for life.
Do The Patient’s Medications Affect Their Pain
It is important to know what medicines the patient is on. This can help you determine if their pain is caused by any of these drugs or if any side effects could make them feel worse. You should also be aware of any interactions between drugs and other substances, like booze, that could make a drug less effective or worsen a patient’s symptoms.
A Pain Management Observation Lets You Assess And Learn About Your Patients
Pain management observation is a way for you to observe a patient and learn more about their care. You can use this information to plan future treatments, understand how your patient is feeling, and make decisions about their care.
• Watch your patient: Who’s awake? Do events affect him or her? Are they hurting?
• Diagnose the patient: What drugs are given? How often? Do these drugs have serious side effects?
• Assess non-pain issues: Do combat-related PTSD patients dream?