The Nursing Professional Knowledge about Factors that Aggravate and Relieve Cancer Pain

Abstract

Introduction: Evaluation of inadequate pain and lack of knowledge about the strategies available for its control are factors that can complicate the management of this symptom. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of nursing professionals about factors that aggravate and relieve pain. Method: A quantitative method was chosen and a questionnaire was applied to all nurses (57) who work in sectors where oncology patients were treated in a university hospital. 26% (15) of them are nurses, 32% (18) are auxiliary nurses and 42% (24) are technicians. This instrument contained two parts: the first one consisted of open and subjective questions, the second was composed by objective and multiple-choice questions. The level of knowledge was assessed through the number of options marked in the second part of the questionnaire, based on a preset measurement scale. Results: All participants acknowledged and cited factors that aggravate and relieve pain, of which the most relevant aggravating factors are: anxiety, depression, fear and anger; and relief factors are: attention, relaxation, recreation and massage. Thus, 42% (24) of nurses had a high level of knowledge regarding the factors that aggravate the pain, 30% (17) showed average level, and 28% (16) revealed regular level. As to factors that mitigate pain, 60 % (34) had high level of knowledge; 26% (15), average level; and 14% (08), regular level. Conclusion: We understand that it is necessary better preparation to the practitioner to provide health care assistance to patients with cancer pain so that its adequate assessment and data record can be made, aiming better outcomes in the management of pain, linking up knowledge and action.