Pain Management in Medical-Surgical Nursing: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Pain management is a critical component of medical-surgical nursing, directly influencing patient outcomes, recovery, and quality of care. This comprehensive review explores the classification, physiology, and pathophysiology of pain, emphasizing its relevance in postoperative and chronic conditions. It highlights evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, including multimodal analgesia and cognitive-behavioral interventions. Accurate pain assessment, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration are central to effective nursing practice. Special attention is given to managing pain in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and patients with chronic or cancer-related pain. The review also addresses barriers to optimal pain control and recent advancements such as Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols and digital therapeutics. Nurses, as frontline caregivers, play a vital role in assessing, managing, and advocating for holistic, patient-centered pain relief in diverse clinical settings.