Question

A patient who had surgery is experiencing postop pain at 6/10 that is worsened when trying to participate in PT. Which intervention for pain management is most important to include in plan of care?

Answer 1

An effective postoperative pain management plan should combine pain medications with a carefully monitored physical therapy regimen. Heat application, prescribed exercises, and pain respect are crucial components, alongside pain medication like acetaminophen, NSAIDs, or possibly opioids if necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important intervention for postoperative pain management for a patient experiencing pain during physical therapy (PT) is the appropriate use of pain medications, in conjunction with an appropriate physical therapy plan. Acetaminophen can be used first due to its lower risk of serious side effects, with NSAIDs or opioids to follow if needed and prescribed by a healthcare professional. However, usage of opioids should be cautious and reserved for when other medications are insufficient.

Moreover, the patient's PT plan should incorporate methods to respect and manage pain, such as applying heat packs to the injury and following prescribed exercises with periods of icing. It's crucial to respect pain and avoid overexerting the injured area to prevent exacerbating pain and possible injury. The combined approach of medication and carefully monitored physical therapy, where exercises increase in intensity as tolerated, ensures pain is managed effectively and recovery progresses optimally.