Discuss pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches to pain management. Provide examples

Question

ANSWER:

Answer 1

There are two approaches to pain management: pharmalogical and nonpharmalogical.
Often times these approaches are used together to provide maximum pain relief. Pharmalogical approaches include narcotic and nonnarcotic medications.
Nonnarcotics are used for mild to moderate pain, whereas narcotics are used for severe pain. Nonnarcotics include drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. However, these must be monitored in the patient closely because they may cause toxic side effects in older adults. Narcotic drugs that work well in older adults include morphine and codeine. These must be monitored for side effects as well. There are also many nonpharmalogical approaches to pain management. These
include acupuncture, acupressure, therapeutic touch, the use of heat and/or cold, various ointments, relaxation techniques, and meditation. All the techniques mentioned have advantages and disadvantages. What works for one person might be different than what works for another.