“I refuse to give up on life because of my pain.  I look for humor in my daily life.   There’s nothing like a good laugh to stop the pain for a while.” Be sure to tell your supervisor if pain is keeping a client from performing everyday activities. If a client asks you for a PRN pain pill, let a nurse or a family member know that the client is in pain and needs attention. Report any specific words that your clients use to describe their pain such as:  sharp, aching, pounding, stabbing, or tingly. Remember...it is your duty to notify your supervisor when you know—or suspect— that your client is in pain.  Every client has the right to feel relief from pain! Pain has the power to make someone’s life miserable.  You have the power to make life better for your clients—by doing all you can to help manage their pain. Help your clients avoid getting over-tired.    Remember...being tired can make pain seem worse. Help your clients balance their sleep and   awake time.  For example, Mr. Jones naps all day and then lies awake all night worrying about his pain.  He would be better off taking a couple of short naps during the day so he can get some sleep at night. Some people find that being distracted helps them cope with pain.   Find out what hobbies or interests your clients have and help them get involved in suitable activities.  It may be something as simple as listening to music or reading a good book. Encourage your clients to get as much exercise as possible.  Remind them that if they don’t move around, their muscles will become stiff and sore.  But, don’t let them overdo! Try to keep your clients laughing!  It has been proven that laughter releases certain chemicals in the body that act as a natural pain medication.   (Have you ever noticed how good you feel after you’ve let loose with a real “belly” laugh?) Remember that pain- relief creams (such as Ben Gay or Capsin) are medications—even though they’re sold over the counter.    Check with your supervisor before applying any medicated cream or ointment.   (It may be against regulations.) Help your clients keep a diary of their pain— writing down when it begins, when it gets worse, and what helps relieve the pain. More Pain Management Tips A Client Care Module:  Understanding Pain Management Remember...pain might be warning you and your client of a serious problem! To learn even more about pain, check out these websites: www.pain.com   www.painnet.com Page 12     © 2000 In the Know, Inc. When Is Pain An Emergency? Report any of the following immediately:  Unusual, sudden or severe headache or a headache with fever and vomiting.  Sudden severe pain in one or both eyes.  Sudden, intense chest pain and/or pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms, back or jaw.  Chest pain that gets worse with breathing.  Abdominal pain that lasts longer than 30 minutes.  Pain with urination or a severe pain in the kidney area.  Pain in the arms or legs, especially if the limbs are pale and cold.