Nursing Diagnosis for Acute Pain

Nursing Diagnosis for Acute Pain | Overview and Prognosis of Acute Pain

Acute Pain Overview | Nursing Diagnosis for Acute Pain

Acute pain usually points to an aberration or an illness. It is differentiated from chronic pain by the duration, usually less than 4 to 6 months.

Pain nerves are stimulated by pressure, cuts, heat, cold, stabs, surgery, and so on.

Other causes include fractures, burns, and bruises.



Prognosis of Acute Pain | Medical Surgical Nursing for Acute Pain

Acute pain is usually able to be managed and terminated in less than 4 to 6 months.


Signs and Symptoms| Nursing Diagnosis for Acute Pain

  • Intense sharp pain (severe)

  • Fleeting, momentary, or ongoing

  • Cramping, spasmotic

Interpreting Test Results and Treatment | Nursing Diagnosis for Acute Pain

  • Ultrasound.

  • X-rays.

  • CT scans.

  • MRI.


Nursing Diagnosis for Acute Pain | Treatment of Acute Pain


Treatment of Acute Pain | Nursing Diagnosis for Acute Pain

  • Surgery.

  • Delivery of child.

  • Anesthesia.

  • Analgesics:

    • Acetaminophen

    • Aspirin

    • COX-2 inhibitors

    • NSAIDs: (Celecoxib, Diclofenac, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Ketorolac, Nabumetone, Naproxen)

    • Opioids: (Codeine, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Levorphanol, Meperidine, Methadone, Morphine, Oxycodone)

    Antispasmotics.

  • Muscle relaxers.

  • Neuropathic pain relievers:

    • tricyclic antidepressants: (amitriptyline, desipramine)

    • nontricyclic antidepressants: (bupropion)

    • Anticonvulsants: (Carbamazapine, Clonazepam, Gabapentin, pregabalin)

    Anxiolytics.

  • Steroids.

  • Heat/cold.

  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit.

  • Epidural injection.

Nursing Diagnosis for Acute Pain and Nursing Interventions


Most Common Nursing Diagnosis for Acute Pain

  • Acute pain

  • Powerlessness

Nursing Interventions for Acute Pain

  • Cold or hot packs.

  • Massage

  • Physical therapy.

  • Acupuncture.

  • Biofeedback.

  • Chiropractic.

  • Meditation.

  • Support groups.

  • Prayer.

  • Explain to the patient:

    • Diagnoses.

    • Tests and treatments.

    • Use of pain medication, timing, and side effects.

    • Use of alternative therapies.

Further reading for nursing diagnosis for acute pain:

  1. http://my.clevelandclinic.org

  2. http://onlinecareplans.com

This is a sample of nursing diagnosis for Acute Pain.