ABSTRACT
Questions from patients about pain conditions and analgesic pharmacotherapy and responses from authors are presented to help educate patients and make them more effective self-advocates. Nurses play a critical role in the care of people living with pain throughout the life span—from birth to death. They provide important services that strongly influence the quality and effectiveness of a pain care plan. The role of the professional nurse and his/her responsibilities in pain and palliative care are discussed throughout these questions and answers.