Pain

Question 0

Rules of Pain Assessment

Answer 0

1. Even if there are objective signs, the patient report should be used for pain assessment
2. Assessment must be appropriate for the patient population
3. Pain can exist even when no physical cause can be found

Question 1

Core Principles of Pain Assessment

Answer 1

1. Pain is always subjective
2. A patient’s self-report of pain is the single most reliable indicator of pain
3. Pain is the most common symptom that makes people seek medical attention

Question 2

Mechanisms of Pain

-Transduction

Answer 2

1. Involves nerve fibers that REACT to thermal, chemical and mechanical stimuli

Question 3

Mechanisms of Pain

-Transmission

Answer 3

1. After nerve fibers are activated, the information is transmitted to the CNS
2. The dorsal root of the spinal cord receives, transmits, and processes sensory impulses

Question 6

Pain Threshold

Answer 6

1. The lowest intensity of painful stimuli that the pt perceives as pain
   - Threshold varies depending on psychological factors

Question 7

Pain Tolerance

Answer 7

1. Different for each patient
2. Affecting factors include:
   - family, occupational roles, spiritual beliefs, cultural, sexual identity

Question 10

Mechanisms of Pain

-Perception

Answer 10

1. Afferent nerve fibers w/in the dorsal root then transmit the impulses through the brainstem and thalamus to the cortex of the brain

Question 11

Mechanisms of Pain

-Modulation

Answer 11

1. Process of altering the stimuli by either inhibiting or facilitating nociceptive signals
2. Modulation of the pain signals occurs at the PERIPHERAL, SPINAL CORD, AND BRAIN LEVEL