Instruct patient to increase fluid intake. Nausea is another common side effect. Instruct the patient that for many pain medications this is a normal occurrence and usually diminishes with use. If nausea continues an anti-emetic can be used. Label then appropriately and if elderly or visually impaired mark bottles in dark bold letters.
Fear is an issue that is often overlooked.
Some patients think that because they are at home and continue with their activity of daily living no one believes they have pain and will effectively treat them. Education of patients and health team members is the key. Also the patient may decide that they can live with a degree of discomfort if they are able to continue with their daily living, but they may not be able to continue if they are in a state of uncontrolled pain. Set goals that are obtainable. Have a set mark that the patient, family and nurse are all able to understand.