Related Experiment Videos
The physical examination in cancer pain assessment
1Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Objectives:
To examine pain-related constructs, illness related constructs, and the particular importance of the physical examination as integrative steps in a comprehensive pain assessment.
Data Sources:
Review articles and book chapters related to the physical examination and evaluation of cancer pain.
Conclusions:
The physical examination is a fundamental aspect of cancer pain assessment. It provides unique information that can be combined with the history, data from the medical record, and the results of additional studies to yield a comprehensive understanding of the patient.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
The nurse's understanding of pain-related constructs, illness-related constructs, and the importance of the physical examination will help provide strategies for pain management that are most likely to offer both pain relief and improved quality of life.