OBJECTIVE: To provide a brief review of common palliative care practices in the assessment and management of cancer pain for practicing oncology nurses. DATA SOURCES: Published literature as indexed in Medline, relevant guideline documents, textbooks, and clinical experience. CONCLUSION: All persons with cancer should undergo a comprehensive pain assessment, using validated instruments when possible, and receive expert-guided cancer pain therapy. Specialist palliative care consultation should be engaged as needed to provide an extra layer of support. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: By better understanding cancer pain assessment and management strategies, nurses will be best equipped to meet the needs of patients and families.
OBJECTIVE: To provide a brief review of common palliative care practices in the assessment and management of cancer pain for practicing oncology nurses. DATA SOURCES: Published literature as indexed in Medline, relevant guideline documents, textbooks, and clinical experience. CONCLUSION: All persons with cancer should undergo a comprehensive pain assessment, using validated instruments when possible, and receive expert-guided cancer pain therapy. Specialist palliative care consultation should be engaged as needed to provide an extra layer of support. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: By better understanding cancer pain assessment and management strategies, nurses will be best equipped to meet the needs of patients and families.