Nursing outcomes for pain assessment after hip arthroplasty

Abstract

Introduction: Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is an effective procedure to relieve joint pain and to provide functional improvement in patients. Objective: Based on the outcomes and indicators from the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC), this study aims to create conceptual and operational definitions to assess pain in patients undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: Consensus study among experts. Definitions were based on literature review and author experience. Complete agreement was found on instrument content in relation to the conceptual and operational definitions from nursing outcomes. Results: The nursing outcome 'pain level' was selected which had eleven indicators, being notable the self-reported pain, duration of pain episodes, facial expressions of pain, agitation, irritability, muscle contraction, diaphoresis, nausea, respiratory rate, heart rate at the radial point and blood pressure. Discussion and conclusions: The selection of this outcome and its indicators as well as the creation of definitions might benefit the NOC application in a more reliable manner over that population, apart from improving assistance and helping adjust this classification.