Use pain rating scales that are tailored to the patient’s needs.
Be sensitive to hearing and language barriers. Maintain an awareness of cultural differences in the way pain is expressed.
Daily assessment of pain may be necessary. Listen for words that may be used to describe feelings other than pain. For example, burning, ache, sore, etc.
Assess personal history of past medication misuse.
Review documentation, such as PRN MAR, to spot trends where pain may be relevant.
Policies, Guidelines and Patient Education Pamphlets
Location Applicability:
Emergency Departments
Urgent Treatment Centres where approved for use.
Collaborative Emergency Centres
Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital Urgent Care
