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Physical methods used

to alleviate pain: nursing

considerations

Fiona Scarlett

Veterinary nurses look after day patients for Veterinary nursing sta play a fundamental
elective procedures, as well as sick and role in e ective pain management; they are the
longer-stay patients, all with varying demands. integral link between veterinary surgeon
The importance of nursing care is highlighted (veterinarian), owner and patient. Under the
when dealing with painful patients. The guidance of a veterinary surgeon and in
emphasis of this chapter, which describes accordance with the Royal College of Veterinary
physical methods of alleviating pain, will be Surgeons RCVS Schedule , a skilled and
split between inpatients and outpatients. While experienced veterinary nurse is uniquely
some topics discussed in this chapter may not positioned to have a key role in patient pain
have an obvious association with the management and comfort. Veterinary nurses
alleviation of pain, the focus will be on often spend more time with patients and are
su ering and the emotional component that is therefore excellently placed to detect subtle
involved in pain modulation. It is easy to focus changes in behaviour. Nurses often liaise
on the day-to-day patients and deliberate on closely with clients, thus can identify further
the acute pain associated with procedures nuances related to the patient and its behaviour.
such as subcutaneous mass removal, Aside from time observing patient behaviour,
castration, and digit amputation. Most nurses spend a lot of time collecting objective
veterinary clinics have protocols for data, such as vital signs, demeanour, response
premedication and analgesic medications to handling and exercise levels of the patient.
prescribed at discharge, but it may be This data collection allows for the development
important to go beyond this rudimentary level of nursing care plans. Nurses are involved in
of care. Pain is a complex syndrome that has a most interventions in hospitalized patients.
multitude of factors impacting on the extent of Under RCVS Schedule guidance, veterinary
su ering of the patient. Pain assessment in nurses can administer pain medication and a
non-verbal patients is challenging and requires multitude of additional therapeutic approaches
the use of behavioural and physiological to relieve pain and su ering. Nurses may
indicators, which has largely been addressed uncover other factors contributing to
in Chapter . discomfort, such as uncomfortable body

86 BSAVA Guide to Pain Management in Small Animal Practice. Edited by Ian Self. ©BSAVA 2019

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