The purpose of this unit of study is to provide the student with the necessary theoretical knowledge to improve how they assess and manage adult pain in the clinical setting. This unit examines the physiological basis of pain and the assessment and management of adult persons’ experiencing acute, chronic and cancer pain. It explores physiological concepts and current pain theories regarding the basis of pain and the complex social, cultural, psychological, spiritual and economic aspects of pain. Pain assessment tools are evaluated and both pharmacological and non-pharmacological management are explored. Pain management is complex, and nurses need to consider management in the light of current best practice, cultural diversity and person’s belief systems.
| Assessing and Managing Adult Pain | |
| Unit of study code | 113 |
| Availability | Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing
Graduate Certificate in Breast Cancer Nursing Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing Graduate Certificate in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Nursing Graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Nursing Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Nursing GC single unit of study |
| Term | JANUARY, JULY |
| Pre-requisite | N/A |
| EFTSL | 0.125 FTE |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Mode of study | Online |
| Hours of study | 150 |
| Fee* | Tier 1 |
| Prescribed texts | Nil |
| Co-ordinated by | Ross Pancho MACN e: ross.pancho@acn.edu.au |
| Content | Intended learning outcomes for this subject/program
After completing this subject, the learner will be able to:- |
Assessment Tasks | ||
| Type of assessment
Note the completed assessment item (e.g. Assessment 1: Online discussion) |
Weighting
(% of total marks) |
When assessed – academic week
(e.g. Week 8) |
||
| Theme 1: Foundational concepts of pain
|
a) discuss definitions of pain and the multidimensional factors which influence the concept of pain as a bio-psycho-social phenomenon | Assessment 1: Online discussions x 2 | 10% | 4, 8 |
| Theme 2: Anatomy and physiology of pain | b) determine the physiology and pathophysiology correlated with different types of physical pain | Assessment 2: Quiz | 10% | 5 |
| Theme 3: Assessing pain | c) analyse pain assessment techniques to ensure contemporary evidenced- based nursing care | Assessment 3: PowerPoint presentation / short answer essay
|
40% | 6 |
| Theme 4: Pharmacological management of pain | d) evaluate national and global evidenced- based, culturally safe guidelines to plan nursing management for people experiencing pain | Assessment 4: Case analysis
|
40% | 10 |
| Theme 5: Non-pharmacological management of pain | e) support ethical and professional principles to optimise holistic, person- centred care within an interdisciplinary context | |||
| Theme 6: Interdisciplinary teamwork and discharge planning | ||||
Assessing and Managing Adult Pain (113) is a Tier 1 unit.
| Tiers | 2025 Member price (10% discount) | 2025 Non-member price |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,403.00 | $2,670.00 |
| Tier 2 | $2,740.50 | $3,045.00 |
| Tier 3 | $3,539.00 | $3,932.00 |
| Tier 4 | $4,166.00 | $4,628.50 |
*Fees are subject to change without notice.
