J Contin Educ Nurs
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Clinical Trial
Influences of patient behavior on clinical nurses' pain assessment: implications for continuing education.
Pain management is an important consideration in the promotion of patients' comfort. However, research continues to indicate patients' pain management is poor. The nursing literature cites nurses' lack of knowledge as a significant determinant of poor pain management practices. ⋯ A 10-page questionnaire with eight different patient scenarios was distributed to 886 nurses across all clinical divisions of an acute tertiary facility. Results indicate knowledge deficits regarding optimum pain relief for patients. This article highlights the need for innovative teaching strategies and approaches in the clinical context to heighten nurses' awareness of their lack of knowledge of pain assessment and management.