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Pain Treatment Guidelines
The World Health Organization has developed a 3-step ladder to treat pain based on mild, moderate, or severe pain. For mild pain, aspirin, acetaminophen (APAP), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and adjuvants are recommended. Acetaminophen combinations, tramadol, and adjuvants are used for moderate pain. Severe pain requires morphine, hydromorphone, methadone, levorphanol, fentanyl, oxycodone, and adjuvants.
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The Goals of Pain Management
- Decrease pain and suffering
- Improve physical and mental functioning
- Ensure improved quality of life for all patients
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The goals of pain management are to decrease pain and suffering. The patient should experience an improvement in physical and mental functioning. Improved quality of life should be possible for all patients.
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Last Published: 6/9/2009 Print this page
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