Nurses' Knowledge of Pain Assessment, Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Interventions

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-1999

School

Professional Nursing Practice

Abstract

This study compared differences in knowledge of pain assessment and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic pain management strategies among 232 L.P.N.s and R.N.s from three hospitals. Twenty-three adult medical, surgical, and special care units were represented. The "Knowledge of Pain Management" tool measured knowledge of pain assessment, drug and nondrug strategies, and was based on AHCPR guidelines. Scores ranged from 24% to 92%. There were significant differences in scores across hospitals and between R.N.s and L.P.N.s. The mean score was 72% for L.P.N.s versus A.D./A.A-R.N.s, B.S.N-R.N.s, and M.S.N.-M.S.-R.N.s but not between L.P.N.s and diploma R.N.s. There were significant differences in overall knowledge scores between L.P.N.s versus B.S.N.-R.N.s but not A.D./A.A.-R.N.s, diploma-R.N.s, and M.S.N./M.S-R.N.s. Findings suggest the need for aggressive nursing education programs offered in academic and clinical settings to assist nurses in effectively managing the universal phenomenon of pain.

Publication Title

Clinical Nursing Research

Volume

8

Issue

2

First Page

153

Last Page

165

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