A patient who is in the acute phase of recovery from a burn injury has yet to experience adequate pain control. What pain management strategy is most likely to meet this patient's needs?

Question

A) A patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) system
B) Oral opioids supplemented by NSAIDs
C) Distraction and relaxation techniques supplemented by NSAIDs
D) A combination of benzodiazepines and topical anesthetics

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
The goal of treatment is to provide a long-acting analgesic that will provide even coverage for this long-term discomfort. It is helpful to use escalating doses when initiating the medication to reach the level of pain control that is acceptable to the patient. The use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) gives control to the patient and achieves this goal. Patients cannot normally achieve adequate pain control without the use of opioids, and parenteral administration is usually required.