The nurse's role in pain assessment and management in a coronary care unit

Nurses play an important role in the assessment and management of pain, but some have many misbeliefs about the pain experience (Watt-Watson & Donovan 1992) and pain management, which may affect their judgment when dealing with a patient's pain. This review of literature on pain assessment and management includes pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment. A case study highlights the nurse's role in assessment and management of pain in patients admitted to a coronary care unit. Recommendations are made as to how the nursing management of pain can be improved.