You are caring for a client with a high pain tolerance due to chronic pain, but it does not look like they are in pain. What methods would you use to assess their pain and identify what medications would be appropriate for them? What measures have been instituted in healthcare to limit the over-prescription of opioids? Discuss this in a and remember to use APA format and scholarly references to support your responses. Purchase the answer to view it
Assessing pain in individuals who have a high pain tolerance due to chronic pain can be challenging, as they may not display the typical physical indicators of pain. This necessitates the use of more objective methods to assess their pain levels. Additionally, it is crucial to identify appropriate medications for pain management in these clients. Furthermore, to address the issue of over-prescription of opioids, various measures have been instituted in healthcare. This paper will discuss the methods used to assess pain and identify suitable medications for clients with high pain tolerance due to chronic pain, as well as the measures implemented to reduce the over-prescription of opioids.
To assess pain in clients with high pain tolerance, objective measures such as self-report scales, behavioral assessments, and physiological indicators can be utilized. Self-report scales, such as the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), allow clients to rate their pain intensity on a scale. These scales can be adapted to the specific needs of clients with high pain tolerance by using more descriptive language or larger scale increments. Additionally, behavioral assessments involve observing the client’s nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and vocalizations, which can indicate the presence of pain. It is important to note that individuals with high pain tolerance may exhibit subtle or atypical behaviors, and thus trained healthcare professionals should be vigilant in their observations. Lastly, physiological indicators, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, or sweating, can also provide insight into the client’s pain levels. However, physiological responses can vary among individuals, and may be influenced by factors other than pain, so they should be interpreted in conjunction with other assessment methods.
Once pain has been assessed, the selection of appropriate medications for pain management in clients with high pain tolerance should be based on thorough evaluation and consideration of various factors. Non-opioid analgesics, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can be considered as a first-line treatment option. NSAIDs are effective in managing mild to moderate pain and have a relatively low risk of addiction or dependence. However, their long-term use may be associated with gastrointestinal or renal adverse effects, so careful monitoring is necessary. In cases where non-opioid analgesics are not sufficient, other medications such as anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin) or antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) may be suitable for managing neuropathic or muscle-related pain.
To minimize the over-prescription of opioids, healthcare systems have implemented several measures. One such measure is the implementation of prescription drug monitoring programs. These programs help track the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances, including opioids, allowing healthcare providers to identify patients who may be at risk for misuse or diversion of medications. Additionally, guidelines and educational initiatives have been developed to promote evidence-based prescribing practices and raise awareness about the risks and benefits of opioid use. These guidelines provide recommendations for appropriate opioid prescribing, such as starting with the lowest effective dose and considering non-drug alternatives. Furthermore, the integration of pain management programs within healthcare systems has facilitated a multidisciplinary approach to pain management, incorporating non-pharmacological interventions and addressing the biopsychosocial aspects of pain.
In conclusion, assessing pain in clients with high pain tolerance due to chronic pain requires the use of objective measures such as self-report scales, behavioral assessments, and physiological indicators. Identifying suitable medications for pain management entails a comprehensive evaluation of individual needs and consideration of non-opioid analgesics as first-line treatment options. Various measures have been put in place in healthcare to address the issue of over-prescription of opioids, including prescription drug monitoring programs, guidelines for evidence-based prescribing, and the integration of multidisciplinary pain management programs. These measures aim to ensure the safe and appropriate use of opioids while promoting effective pain management for individuals with high pain tolerance due to chronic pain. Overall, a comprehensive approach incorporating multiple assessment methods and a range of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions is necessary to effectively manage pain in these clients.
References:
1. Dahlhamer, J., Lucas, J., Zelaya, C., Nahin, R., Mackey, S., DeBar, L., … & Mackey-Krumme, J. (2018). Prevalence of chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain among adults—United States, 2016. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 67(36), 1001.
2. Lynch, M. E., & Watson, C. P. (2001). The pharmacotherapy of chronic pain: a review. Pain Research & Management, 6(4), 184-192.
3. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). Pain management and the opioid epidemic: Balancing societal and individual benefits and risks of prescription opioid use. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.