Management of procedural pain in adult patients

Procedural pain in adults is not well documented in the literature. This article provides practical advice for healthcare professionals on how to assess and manage pain in these patients. Pain management strategies for common procedures, such as removing a chest drain and redressing a leg ulcer, are detailed. Procedural pain in adults needs thorough assessment and treatment requires careful planning. Fast-acting and short-acting analgesics may provide the most convenient method of managing procedural pain. The possible presence of different types of pain, such as chronic and neuropathic pain, may need to be addressed when managing procedural pain in adults.