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Article: Cultural differences in pain management.
- Article from:
- Radiologic Technology
- Article date:
- March 1, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1997 American Society of Radiologic Technologists. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Pain is an even worse master than death.
--Albert Schweitzer
People usually do not think of the radiology department as a haven of comfort. Many patients referred for diagnostic imaging exams suffer from pain related to trauma or disease, and radiology procedures sometimes can exacerbate their pain. Hard tables, cold rooms and diagnostic procedures such as barium enemas and mammograms are unpleasant to most people, even those who are healthy.
People respond differently to pain. Their levels of tolerance and willingness to talk about how they feel can vary widely. Part of a patient's reaction to pain may be based on his or her cultural ...