Pain management in the critically.

The treatment of pain continues to be a major concern in the critically ill patient. Despite advances in pain management, a greater understanding of the mechanisms of pain and advanced methods of analgesic delivery, the treatment of pain is not always a priority on the intensive care unit. Difficulties with pain assessment, in the critically ill ventilated, sedated patient compound the problems of pain management. Physiological signs are difficult to interpret and psychological factors must be considered.