title: Managing pain at the end of life.
abstract: There are many threats to a calm and peaceful passing, but none more distressing than unrelenting pain. Pain exists not only in the physical realm, but also in the psychological, social and spiritual senses. Discussion of barriers and responsibilities are important to assure that pain is appropriately treated. Effective pain treatment relies on communication among patients, families, and care providers. Nurses are a central force in this communication and must act as leaders and advocates in planning care and relieving pain in dying patients.
authors.affiliation: Pain Research Group, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. mkohutek@mdanderson.org
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Easley
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Elliott
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005239:Fear; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D010166:Palliative Care; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010353:Patient Education as Topic