Management of chronic cancer pain: A guideline for client-family teaching

• Main Authors: Stella Dyck, Nancy Guebert
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pappin Communications 1991-01-01
• Series: Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal
• Online Access: http://www.canadianoncologynursingjournal.com/index.php/conj/article/view/559/559

The oncology nurse is constantly challenged to prepare the client and family for self-care in the home following active treatment, and, intermittently during the palliative phase of the cancer experience. Nurses are increasingly cognisant of the need to teach clients and families self-care. Numerous teaching aids are available to assist the nurse in carrying out teaching in relation to symptom management following either chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Aids for teaching pain management are less accessible. However, it is the challenge of controlling chronic pain in the home setting that frequently immobilises the family and necessitates hospitalisation of the client. The outline in this paper addresses the staff nurses' need for a comprehensive and succinct outline to use in planning the essential teaching to facilitate effective self-care for the client experiencing chronic malignant pain.