Perioperative Pain Management

Perioperative Pain Management is a practical, evidence-based guide to the effective management of perioperative pain even in the most challenging situations. It provides readers with an understanding of the physiology, pharmacology and psychology of acute pain together with key messages for best practice. Barriers to effective acute pain management are explored and suggestions for improving practices and removing obstructions are given. The psychosocial impact of acute pain and personal coping strategies are reviewed in an easy to read format. Specific sections focus on managing perioperative pain in: paediatrics; the older patient; patients with chronic painful conditions; the patient with renal dysfunction; and day case surgery. Perioperative Pain Management will be invaluable to all nurses from undergraduate students to experienced clinical nurse specialists and lecturers as well as pharmacists, operating department practitioners, and physiotherapists.

1. The Physiology of Pain. 2. Principles of Acute Pain Assessment. 3. Barriers to Effective Pain Management. 4. Psychosocial Perspectives of Acute Pain. 5. The Role of Personal Coping Strategies in the Management of Perioperative Pain. 6. How Analgesics Work. 7. The Evidence for Acute Perioperative Pain Management. 8. Regional Anaesthesia and Analgesia, Part 1: Peripheral Nerve Blockade. 9. Regional Anaesthesia and Analgesia, Part 2: Central Neural Blockade. 10. Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA). 11. Other Routes of Opioid Administration. 12. Managing Perioperative Pain in Special Circumstances. 13. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in Perioperative Settings. 14. Risk Management in Perioperative Analgesia. 15. Education