A structured literature review of pain assessment and management of patients with chronic kidney disease

Abstract

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This paper reviews the literature concerning nurses' assessment and management of pain in adult patients with chronic kidney disease, and proposes implications for clinical practice to support the control of pain in these patients. BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide public health concern with increasing incidence and prevalence, poor patient outcomes and high cost. Patients with kidney disease often experience pain. Optimal pain assessment and management are key clinical activities; however, inadequate pain control by health professionals persists. Renal failure compounds this problem because of the small margin between pain relief and toxicity, and the pa..