Acute-on-chronic pain and tolerance are very complex issues. The bedside nurse plays a critical role in pain management, including medication reconciliation and making sure home medications are continued in the hospital. Patient education is imperative. Managing the patient’s expectation is key, but setting realistic goals is a must.

MEDSURG Nursing routinely publishes articles on pain management. In this episode, MEDSURG Nursing Editorial Board Member Susan Bohnenkamp cites two such articles recently published in the journal and talks with Dr. Heather Carlisle, a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing. Dr. Carlisle is certified in pain management and palliative care and has published extensively on the topic of opioid safety and patient monitoring in acute care settings. Prior to joining the faculty, she worked as a nurse practitioner on an acute pain service at a level one trauma center, where she consulted on patients with complex pain needs, particularly acute-on-chronic pain. She coordinated the Pain Resource Nurse Group, a group of med-surg nurses who meet monthly to discuss their challenges with pain management, and to share resources and expertise.

Heather Carlisle, PhD, DNP, RN, AGACNP, FNP, ACHPN, is a Clinical Associate Professor and an AGACNP Specialty Coordinator at the University of Arizona College of Nursing in Tucson, Arizona.

Susan Bohnenkamp, MS, RN, ACNS-BC, CCM, is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona.

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