What strategy helps prevent overtreatment of pain?

• A. Use non-pharmacological strategies when possible
• B. Titrate analgesics to the maximum dose
• C. Use only pharmacological strategies
• D. Avoid monitoring response

Answer: (A)

Using non-pharmacological strategies when possible helps prevent overtreatment of pain by addressing pain through multiple pathways, which can lower the amount of medication needed and reduce the risk of medication-related harms. Techniques like physical therapy, heat or cold, relaxation and breathing exercises, distraction, sleep optimization, safe movement, and cognitive-behavioral strategies can lessen pain intensity and improve function, making analgesia more effective at lower doses. Pharmacologic therapy should still be used when needed, but started at the lowest effective dose and adjusted based on the patient’s response and any side effects, with regular monitoring. Options that push for maximum drug dosing or rely only on medications do not mitigate risk, and avoiding monitoring prevents timely adjustments, increasing the chance of overtreatment or undertreatment.