American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Multicenter Study
Pain assessment and management in critically ill postoperative and trauma patients: a multisite study.
Pain in critically ill patients is undertreated. ⋯ Despite moderate to severe pain, patients are generally satisfied with their pain relief. Measuring patients' satisfaction alone is not a reliable outcome for determining the effectiveness of pain management. Realistic expectations of patients about their pain may enhance coping, increase satisfaction, and decrease pain intensity after surgery.