Coronary care unit patients' and nurses' ratings of intensity of ischaemic chest pain.
In 100 patients admitted to a coronary care unit with a history of chest pain thought to be due to myocardial infarction, the intensity of pain was independently rated by the patient and the primary nurse caring for the patient soon after admission. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale designed to yield a score of 0-100. 10 experienced coronary care nurses who had participated in a short programme of pain assessment and management were included in the study. A strong positive correlation between the patients' and nurses' ratings was found. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.
Thompson
D R
DR
Webster
R A
RA
Sutton
T W
TW
D002637:Chest Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D003325:Coronary Care Units; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010147:Pain Measurement