The Central Role of Nurses in Multimodal Pain Management during Myocardial Infarction: A Comprehensive Review

https://doi.org/10.46610/RRMOC.2026.v08i01.002

Abstract

Pain is the most dominant and distressing symptom experienced by patients during Myocardial Infarction (MI) and is closely associated with adverse physiological responses. Persistent ischemic pain activates the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in tachycardia, hypertension, and increased myocardial oxygen demand, which may further aggravate myocardial ischemia and contribute to complications such as arrhythmias and heart failure. Effective pain control is therefore essential not only for relieving patient suffering but also for stabilizing cardiovascular function and preventing further myocardial damage. Multimodal pain management, which integrates pharmacological therapy with non-pharmacological and psychological interventions, has emerged as the preferred strategy in contemporary cardiac care. Nurses occupy a central role in implementing multimodal pain management due to their continuous presence at the patient’s bedside and responsibility for ongoing clinical assessment and monitoring. This review examines the central role of nurses in multimodal pain management during myocardial infarction with emphasis on pain assessment, pharmacological interventions, hemodynamic monitoring, psychological support, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Evidence suggests that nurse-led pain management significantly improves patient comfort, reduces sympathetic stress responses, and contributes to favorable cardiovascular outcomes.