Nursing Interventions for Patiens who are Experiencing Musculoskeletal Pain
- Pain related to pathophysiological alterations in the musculoskeletal system
- Assess pain — location, location, quality, severity, duration, precipitating, aggravating and alleviating factors
- Maintain patient in proper body alignment
- Ensure that immobilization devices are correctly applied (casts, braces, traction, slings, splints)
- Apply heat and cold therapy safely
- Administer pain medications as needed on a regularly scheduled basis
- Teach patient how to effectively use patientcontrolled analgesia
- Implement non-pharmacological means of pain control in conjunction with pain medication (mental imagery, massage, distraction, relaxation techniques, music therapy)
- Evaluate patient’s response to pain medication and other interventions.
Orthopedic Nursing : Caring for Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders
Dr. Judith A. Halstead