CanadiEM - April 21, 2020 - By Jana Balakumaran
"Takeaways
- The goal of pain-management in the ED is not zero pain, but rather reaching an acceptable level for function.
- When choosing route of delivery, oral is often preferred unless the patient cannot tolerate PO meds.
- Consider a combination of non-opiates. Starting with 1000 mg Acetaminophen and 400 mg of Ibuprofen is an ED go-to for mild-moderate pain.
- Opiates should only be used if non-opiate agents are insufficient to treat the severity of pain that the patient endorses. When using opiates, start low and go slow!
- Treat pain before ordering your workup! Do not leave your patient suffering until you get results back."