Welcome Overview Pain Management Definitions of Pain Common Barriers Important Terms Morphine Myths Duty to Relieve Pain Five Principles Fifth Vital Sign Pain Assessment Begin with the patient Tools Types of pain Symptom Management
		Pain Assessment “If we cannot assess pain, we will never be able to relieve pain.” — Betty Ferrell, PhD. FAAN One reason pain is not assessed regularly is that healthcare providers are unfamiliar with the process, and do not know how to use the pain assessment tools that are available. Initial and ongoing pain assessments are fundamental to adequate pain management. Knowing what type of pain the patient is experiencing, how it affects them in different spheres of their lives, and what to do with the pain once it is assessed are all part of a good pain assessment.