Pharmacologic management of acute pain in the orthopaedic patient

Postoperative pain remains undertreated. Barriers to adequate postoperative analgesia include lack of knowledge regarding pain and its management, inadequate assessment, preconceived notions by nurses and physicians regarding pain and addiction, and the continued use of PRN administration of medications instead of active intervention on a scheduled basis. Knowledge regarding the physiology of pain provides nurses with information necessary to control pain. Pharmacologic management includes the use of nonopioids, opioids, and various adjuvant drugs. Principles regarding the use of these analgesics guide the nurse to use these drugs to their greatest effect. The special needs of the very young and the elderly must also be considered.