What is an adverse outcome for unresolved pain?

Unresolved pain in patients, especially those who are critically ill or in palliative care, can lead to several adverse outcomes, one of which is the increased risk for pneumonia and thromboembolism. When pain is not adequately managed, patients may become less mobile due to discomfort, which can result in complications such as pneumonia from decreased lung expansion and respiratory function. Additionally, immobility increases the risk of thromboembolism as blood flow can become stagnant, leading to clot formation in veins. Therefore, effective pain management is crucial not only for alleviating discomfort but also for preventing these significant complications that arise from the consequences of unresolved pain.

In contrast, increased patient satisfaction typically results from effective pain management rather than unresolved pain. Improved functional capacity is also associated with well-managed pain, as patients who have their pain under control are more likely to engage in physical activities and rehabilitation. Therefore, while unresolved pain leads to increased risks of pneumonia and thromboembolism, it does not correlate with improved patient outcomes or satisfaction.