Portenoy R K
Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Semin Oncol Nurs. 1997 Feb;13(1):25-9. doi: 10.1016/s0749-2081(97)80046-0.
To examine pain-related constructs, illness related constructs, and the particular importance of the physical examination as integrative steps in a comprehensive pain assessment.
Review articles and book chapters related to the physical examination and evaluation of cancer pain.
The physical examination is a fundamental aspect of cancer pain assessment. It provides unique information that can be combined with the history, data from the medical record, and the results of additional studies to yield a comprehensive understanding of the patient.
The nurse's understanding of pain-related constructs, illness-related constructs, and the importance of the physical examination will help provide strategies for pain management that are most likely to offer both pain relief and improved quality of life.
