Unit 212 Provide Support To Manage Pain And Discomfort

Rebecca Madge
Unit 212­ provide support to manage pain and discomfort Outcome 1­ Understand approaches to managing pain and discomfort
1.1 Explain the importance of a holistic approach to managing pain and discomfort
When dealing with pain and discomfort the holistic approach is very important because this approach looks at the person as a whole to find the root of the problem, the reason you're having the pain.
This approach aims to help find where the pain originates from. If you can find this you can then treat the pain more accurately. 1.2 Describe different approaches to alleviate pain and minimise discomfort
There are 4 types of approaches that you can use to help alleviate pain and minimise discomfort. 1. Using drugs such as analgesics (paracetamol), opiates (morphine), anti inflammatories
(ibuprofen)
2. Using physical methods such as heat and ice packs, massaging, repositioning
3. Self help methods, doing thing to distract you from the pain, e.g having a chat or walking
4. Alternative therapies­ aromatherapy, homeopathic medicine, reflexology, acupuncture or yoga 1.3 Outline agreed ways of working that relate to managing pain and discomfort
When dealing with managing someone's pain you must always put their choices and wishes first. To help do this you must follow their care plan. Within their care plan it should state their wishes and choices. You must use your training when caring for someone in pain and discomfort to minimise the pain when repositioning, providing personal care and any other care may need. Outcome 2 Be able to assist in minimising individuals pain or discomfort
2.1 Describe how pain and discomfort may affect an individual's wellbeing and communication
Within in the aging population pain and discomfort are so common that is causes day to day life to become more difficult. Pain and discomfort can affect someone's quality of life due to the presence of limitations of functional activity.
For patients with dementia, parkinson's and stroke expressing pain can be very difficult or impossible. It is important to be aware of nonverbal communication methods as this may be the only way these individuals can express their pain and discomfort. Once you have recognised if they are in pain you can then seek help for that individual.
Once the pain has been managed the individual can then communicate more effectively resulting in even better management of pain and discomfort resulting in better quality life. 2.2 Encourage an individual to express feelings of discomfort or pain and 2.3 Encourage an individual to use self help methods of pain control

When encouraging an individual to express feelings of discomfort or pain you need to make them feel safe and build the trust. You must be patient they may not express themselves the first time you talk to them. When they do start to express themselves be empathetic and understanding offer solutions to the pain and see their response this will help to find the most suitable solution to the pain therefore providing a better quality of life. By building this relationship and trust you are then in a better position to encourage the Individual to use self help methods, you can try encouraging them by doing the process with them and reminding them of all the ways it can benefit them. 2.4 Assist an individual to be positioned safely and comfortably.
If an effort is not made to move a sick person on regular intervals they may tend to curl up into a fetal position. This may be the preference of the patient for warmth and relief of pain if left for long periods of time can lead to loss of muscle tone and deformities.
When moving or positioning a patient in bed it should be done in accordance with their care plan. When moving or positioning the patient should be encouraged to use their own body strength where possible. 2.5 Carry out agreed measures to alleviate pain and discomfort.
When carrying out agreed measures to alleviate pain, it must be in accordance with their care plan. The care plan should be reviewed monthly to ensure their pain and discomfort is being managed correctly. Outcome 3 Be able to monitor, record and report on the management of individuals pain or discomfort. 3.1 Carry out required monitoring activities relating to management of an individual's pain or discomfort.