Using APA format, write a 3-5 page paper. Part I – Compare and contrast how pain is interpreted by children and adults. (30 points) Part II – Describe the characteristics of pain. (15 points) Part II

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Introduction:

This paper aims to discuss different aspects of pain, including the interpretation of pain by children and adults, the characteristics of pain, how nurses assess pain, acute and chronic pain, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for pain. The paper will also focus on ensuring correct use of APA format, grammar, and citations.

Part I – Compare and contrast how pain is interpreted by children and adults.

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience caused by actual or potential tissue damage. Pain interpretation is subjective and can differ from person to person. Children and adults interpret pain differently due to developmental differences, cognitive abilities, and life experiences. Children’s pain is often acute, and they have a limited understanding of pain, making them unable to describe the intensity and location of pain accurately. Children rely on non-verbal cues such as crying or simple words to express pain. In contrast, adults have better communication ability, and they can describe pain location, intensity, and duration. Adults may also have developed coping mechanisms to deal with pain, which children may not have.

Part II – Describe the characteristics of pain.

Pain has various characteristics, including location, intensity, duration, timing, quality, and aggravating or relieving factors. The location of pain indicates where pain is felt, such as in the head or abdomen. The intensity of pain refers to the severity of the pain, ranging from mild to severe. The duration of pain is how long pain lasts, which could be acute or chronic. Timing refers to when pain occurs, such as during physical activity or at rest. The quality of pain is how it feels, such as sharp or dull. Aggravating and relieving factors are actions that make pain worse or better, respectively.

Part III – Research 3 peer-reviewed journal articles discussing how nurses assess pain. Discuss your findings.

Nurses play a critical role in pain assessment, which involves asking patients about pain intensity, location, and quality. Patients’ verbal and non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and vital signs are also taken into account. The three peer-reviewed journal articles on how nurses assess pain are;

1. McCaffery, M., & Pasero, C. (1999). Pain: Clinical manual. Mosby.

2. Twycross, R., Dowden, S., & Stinson, J. (2014). Assessing pain in children: what is the M2W3? Paediatric nursing, 26(6), 34-37.

3. Ha, T., & Longnecker, N. (2019). Pain Assessment and Management in the Geriatric Population. Surgical Clinics, 99(1), 137-145.

The findings suggest that nurses assess pain by obtaining a comprehensive pain history, such as the onset, duration, location, and intensity of pain. Nurses also use standardized pain scales such as the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale in children, and the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) scale in geriatric patients. Observing nonverbal cues from patients and assessing physiological changes such as increased blood pressure and heart rate also help in pain assessment.

Part IV – Compare and contrast acute and chronic pain.

Acute pain is characterized by a rapid onset and short duration, usually resulting from tissue injury, inflammation or surgery. The pain is usually localized and sharp, but it can also be dull or throbbing. Acute pain serves as a protective mechanism, alerting the body of potential tissue damage. In contrast, chronic pain lasts for more than six months, and it is often associated with chronic diseases such as arthritis, back pain, and fibromyalgia. Chronic pain may also occur without an apparent cause, and it may have no protective function.

Part V – Discuss pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of pain.

Pharmacological treatment is the use of drugs to manage pain, and it includes non-opioid analgesics such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioid analgesics such as morphine and fentanyl. Non-pharmacological treatment aims to relieve pain using non-drug therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques. Non-pharmacological interventions can also include massage, heat, and cold therapy.

Conclusion:

Pain is a complex issue that requires proper management for patients. Understanding the characteristics of pain and how to assess it is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers. The use of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches can help alleviate pain effectively, and their use should be tailored based on the patient’s condition and their pain history. Proper pain management helps improve patient’s well-being and quality of life, reduces hospital stay and readmissions, and enhances patient satisfaction.