Pain

Pain is accepted as part of suffering and some- thing to be endured (stoicism). The Chinese patient may not actively complain about pain or express it behaviorally while actually experiencing pain. They may use ointments, massage, acupressure or acupuncture to treat their pain. It may be more useful to ask a Chinese patient how much pain he or she is having. Pain medication may be refused when initially offered. The patient may also not wish to bother the nurse for medication. Providers should ask again about the level of pain, and offer pain treatment again if initially refused. Education should include how to use a pain scale, the acceptability of receiving treatment for pain and how enduring pain does not contribute to recovery.