Nursing Diagnosis Pain - Essay Example

 In terms of the length of time that pain is experienced, pain may be considered acute or chronic.  Acute pain may be related to trauma or injuring agents like biological, physical, and psychological agents.  It may be sudden or slow in onset and be mild or severe in intensity with a duration of fewer than 6 months.  The patient may verbally report pain sensation and manifest with observed symptoms of pain, including protective gestures to avoid pain, changes in muscle tone, restlessness, moaning, crying, and irritability (Nurse Blog, 2009).  Chronic pain is known to represent the disease itself.  It may be environmental or psychological; it may persist over a long period of time and be resistant to medical treatments (Medicine.net, 2011).  Interventions for pain relief include: anticipating the need for pain relief; responding immediately to pain complaints; eliminating additional stressors or sources of discomfort; providing rest periods for sleep and relaxation; determining pain relief with the assistance of doctors through NSAIDs, opiates, and local anesthetic agents.  Apply non-pharmacologic pain relief strategies, including guided imagery, distraction techniques, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback (Nursing Care, 2010).  It is also important to coordinate with physicians for the relief of chronic and severe pain.