Pain Management

At Valley Presbyterian Hospital, we understand treating pain promptly and thoroughly is essential. Every effort will be made to keep you as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

What you can expect from our staff:

• A commitment to pain prevention and management.
• Your nurse will ask you about your pain upon admission and during rounds.
• You will be asked to rate your pain on a scale of 0-10 (0 indicates no pain, 10 indicates your worst pain) and the causes will be evaluated.
• Your questions about your pain and pain relief will be promptly addressed.
• Your preferences will be respected in determining how to best manage your pain.

What can you do to help manage pain?

• Ask your physician or nurse what to expect regarding pain and pain management.
• Discuss pain relief options with your physician or nurse.
• Work with your physician or nurse to develop a pain management plan.
• Ask for pain relief when pain first begins.
• Help your physician and your nurse assess your pain level by telling us what your pain is on a rating scale of 0-10.
• Tell us what works and doesn't work for you when you have pain.
• Tell your physician or your nurse if your pain is not relieved.
• Tell your physician or nurse about any worries you have about taking pain medication.
• Be open to managing your pain with suggested medication and/or other treatments such as counseling, relaxation, distraction, imagery, heat and cold, massage, movement or rest.

To ensure optimal pain management, you may want to ask your physician some of the following questions:

• If I am in pain, what will you prescribe that will control it?
• What is the best way for me to tell you about my pain?
• Will I be able to think clearly after taking the prescribed medication?
• What are the side effects of this medication?
• What are my choices of pain relief therapy?
• Is there a chance I could become addicted to this medication?

Please ask your nurse for additional information on pain management.