Home Care of the Epidural Analgesia Patient: The Nurse's Role

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Carolyn L. Blue, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Spinal analgesia offers a viable alternative for many patients with cancer whose pain cannot be controlled by systemic narcotics. The success of this therapy depends largely on the effectiveness of the home health nurse in instructing patient and caregivers, monitoring catheter care, and assessing the patient's response to treatment. Chronic pain associated with cancer is frequently intractable and resistant to common therapeutic and noninvasive sensory-altering measures. Prolonged pain not only drains energy needed for normal activity but often causes the individual anxiety, depression, withdrawal, and preoccupation with the pain.1

Additional Information

Publication
Home Healthcare Nurse, 7(4), 23 - 30.
Language: English
Date: 1989
Keywords
Spinal analgesia, Pain management, Cancer patients, Nursing

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