Decision
Is pain control adequate?*
Yes
Discharge to home with supportive medications, return precautions, and follow-up plan (Class II)
No
Admit to non-ICU setting (Class III)
Background
*Multimodal Pain Control:
- Nonopioid agents (acetaminophen, NSAIDs, lidocaine patch)
- Consider adjunct rib fixation devices, if available locally
- Regional blocks (epidural and paravertebral) if patient is a candidate
- Opioid analgesia as needed to control pain
- Encourage frequent use of incentive spirometry, promote deep breathing, encourage patient to get out of bed
- Reassess pain level frequently for inpatients
