Pain management

Question 1

What questions should you ask to manage pain (6)

Answer 1

1. Where is the pain?
2. Does the pain come and go or is it constant?
3. What is the pain like? Dull, sharp or shooting?
4. What brings on the pain and what makes it better?
5. Are there any other symptoms?
6. Are you taking any other medication?

Question 2

When should you refer pain to the pharmacist (7)

Answer 2

1. Pain is severe and/or prevents movement
2. Pain has started suddenly and is not helped by OTC analgesics
3. Recurring pain
4. shortness of breath
5. bleeding
6. fainting
7. weightloss

Question 3

What treatments is there for pain (4)

Answer 3

1. Oral analgesics for example paracetamol
2. Topical analgesics; for example diclofenac gel
3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; for example ibuprofen
4. Other treatments; for example ice or heat compression