Pain and Pain Symptom Management

This continuing education course provides healthcare professionals with an overview of pain and pain symptom management using a patient-centered, evidence-informed approach. The course reviews the definition and classification of pain, pain assessment strategies, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment options, opioid safety principles, special population considerations, and patient education. Emphasis is placed on multimodal pain management, functional goals, safe medication use, and appropriate clinical decision-making.

Learning Objectives

• Define Pain and Pain Duration: Distinguish between acute, subacute, and chronic pain.
• Differentiate Pain Types: Compare nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain.
• Identify Pain Assessment Components: Recognize key elements of a comprehensive pain assessment.
• Describe Pharmacologic Pain Management Options: Review nonopioid medications, adjuvant medications, and opioids used for pain management.
• Explain Nonpharmacologic and Multimodal Strategies: Describe nonmedication and combined approaches used to manage pain.
• Recognize Opioid Safety Considerations: Discuss opioid therapy safety, naloxone, tapering, and patient education.
• Discuss Special Population Considerations: Address pain management considerations for older adults, children, pregnant patients, patients with renal or hepatic impairment, and patients with substance use disorders.
• Apply Evidence-Informed Pain Management Principles: Use pain management principles in common clinical scenarios.