Management of post-cesarean pain, its influence on maternal functioning and birthing mothers recall of pain experience 48 hours later

30^th World Congress on Advanced Nursing Practice

September 04-06, 2017 | Edinburgh, Scotland

Salam Hadid, Farida Morani, Katrin Bibar and Etty Peretz

Galilee Medical Center, Israel

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Adv Practice Nurs

Abstract :

Background: Post-cesarean pain is a problem that affects the mother and, subsequently, the newborn. Intravenous administration of acetaminophen is an accepted treatment option. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine efficacy of IV acetaminophen every 8 hours for the first 24 hours post-op. Method: A prospective quantitative research study of 102 women after cesarean section (elective and emergency) was carried out. Pain was recorded and then patients were questioned 48 post-op about the pain experienced and its influence on functioning ability. Pain was measured according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: Of 102, 98 received treatment as described. The medication reduced pain level by 2-4 points on the VAS. Mean maximum pain reported in the first 24 hours was VAS=5.61, in the next 24 hours 4.54. However, mean maximum pain remembered by the patients was VAS=7.99 in the first 24 hours and 7.07 in the next 24 hours. Most women replied that the medication helped their pain but that the pain hindered their ability to perform tasks such as moving and leaving the bed, caring for the newborn and breastfeeding. Conclusions: There is disparity between level of pain reported by women in 'real time' and that recalled in self-report 48 hours postop. Despite pain alleviation by medication, functioning was still problematic. Pain evaluation is insufficient; evaluation of ability to function is also necessary.

Biography :

Member of the Israeli society of psychosomatic in obstetrics & gynecology. A psychiatric rehabilitation trained professional and an associate lecturer in the Departments of Nursing, Social Work and Multidisciplinary Studies in Zefat Academic College, and in the Department of Multidisciplinary Studies in the University of Haifa, Israel. Specializing in research of Post traumatic symptoms and crisis experience after childbirth.