Phenomenon Assignment 2 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Phenomenon Assignment 2 - Research Paper Example Managing pain presents itself as a very important challenge to the critical care nurse. Statement of the Phenomenon Pain brings much discomfort to critical care patients and its alleviation is a critical element of critical care nursing. It is, therefore, important that pain is managed effectively. Effective pain management starts with pain assessment (Gelinas, Fillion, Puntillo, Viens & Fortier, 2006). Gelinas (2007) maintained that a patient’s self report is the most reliable and valid measure for identifying pain. Critical care health professionals, however, face the greatest challenge when a patient in the critical care unit is unconscious because of trauma or is unable to talk or move because of the severity of the illness. The phenomenon, therefore, is pain assessment for critically ill patients who are unable to orally communicate, provide a self-report of the pain they are experiencing, or are unable to move and interact with the hospital staff even with just gestures or nods. Pain and Unconsciousness Personally, this author has always wondered if unconscious patients experience physical pain.