Management of acute pain Flashcards
What is acute vs chronic pain?
Acute - usually a consequence of an ‘insult’ - includes peri-operative and acute pain conditions seen in community pharmacy
Chronic - doesn’t disappear after short period, tends to be a consequence of something more complicated
What are examples of acute pain?
Toothache
Headache
Leg fracture
Post surgical
what is the duration of acute pain?
Hours to < 3 months
What are examples of chronic pain?
Osteo-arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Diabetic neuropathy
Chronic low back pain
What is the duration of chronic pain?
> 3-6 months and for life potentially
what is nociceptive pain?
Develops in response to a specific stimulus
what is neuropathic pain?
comes from damage to the central or peripheral nerves or nervous system
what words are used to describe nociceptive pain?
Sharp
Aching
Throbbing
Blinding
Hot/Swollen
what are words to explain neuropathic pain?
Tingling, electric shock
Shooting, stabbing
Burning, numb
Prickling
What are examples of nociceptive mechanical pain medication?
Paracetamol
Opioids - codeine
What are examples of nociceptive inflammatory pain medication?
Ibuprofen, naproxen (only licensed for period pain only)
Diclofenac gel
What are examples of neuropathic nerve pain poms?
Amitriptyline
Gabapentin
Atomoxetine
Capsaicin cream
Why do some suggest to wait 48hrs to take an NSAID after injury?
to allow bodies natural response to kick in
how do you close an assessment?
Using BARN
Benefits - be clear on the benefits and when they are likely to happen and what to do if not effective
Risks - and how to manage/avoid/ how would it present
Alternatives - and non pharmacological advice eg. exercise, rest, hydration
Nothing - what if the person does nothing? Self-care without medicines, could be an option if pain is likely to pass
