How Do Nurses Manage Pain Through Pharmacological Methods?
Pain management is a critical aspect of nursing care. Pharmacological methods for pain management include:
1. Analgesics: These are drugs specifically designed to relieve pain. They can be over-the-counter like acetaminophen or prescription medications like opioids. 2. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): These help reduce inflammation and pain, commonly used for conditions like arthritis. 3. Adjuvant Medications: These include drugs like antidepressants and anticonvulsants that can help manage chronic pain. 4. Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA): This allows patients to administer their own pain relief within preset limits, often used postoperatively.