The physical examination in cancer pain assessment.
OBJECTIVE
To examine pain-related constructs, illness related constructs, and the particular importance of the physical examination as integrative steps in a comprehensive pain assessment.


METHODS
Review articles and book chapters related to the physical examination and evaluation of cancer pain.


CONCLUSIONS
The physical examination is a fundamental aspect of cancer pain assessment. It provides unique information that can be combined with the history, data from the medical record, and the results of additional studies to yield a comprehensive understanding of the patient.


CONCLUSIONS
The nurse's understanding of pain-related constructs, illness-related constructs, and the importance of the physical examination will help provide strategies for pain management that are most likely to offer both pain relief and improved quality of life.
Portenoy
R K
RK
Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*