Keywords

pain assessment, pain catastrophizing, patient care

Authors

1. Thompson, Osheeca J. BS
2. Powell-Roach, Keesha PhD, RN
3. Taylor, Janiece L. PhD, RN, FAAN
4. Terry, Ellen L. PhD
5. Booker, Staja Q. PhD, RN

Abstract

Abstract: Pain is a subjective experience and its perception and expression vary widely. Pain catastrophizing, which refers to patients' thoughts or feelings about their pain, may impact their communication of pain and nurses' subsequent response. This article discusses how nurses can more readily recognize, assess, and manage pain catastrophizing.