Assessment and management of the trauma patient in pain

Optimum management of the critically ill trauma patient with pain combines a level of ongoing assessment that considers the intensity of the pain being experienced and the meaning of that pain to the individual. The physiologic responses of the critically ill patient to pain should be considered when assessing pain and when prescribing a particular medication and method of administration to relieve pain. Ongoing systematic assessment is critical so that patients are getting the maximal effects to keep them above their particular pain thresholds but below their sedation thresholds. Other modalities that are independent nursing functions, such as heat, distraction and positioning, should be an adjunct to medication prescribed for the overall care of the patient.