Comfort Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is the pain threshold?
When a stimulus is perceived as painful.
Define pain tolerance.
The point of pain an individual can withstand.
What is pain modulation?
A reflex to protect the body from a painful stimulus.
List factors that can influence pain.
- Age
- Emotions
What are endogenous analgesics?
neurotransmitters in the body that help relieve pain.
What is acute pain?
Pain that lasts up to 6 months
Define chronic pain.
Pain that persists for more than 6 months without changes in vital signs and no identifiable cause.
What is idiopathic pain?
Chronic pain without a known cause.
What is visceral pain?
Pain that occurs in the organs.
Define radiating pain.
Pain that starts in one location and ends in another.
What is referred pain?
Pain that is felt in a different area than where it originates.
What is neuropathic pain?
Pain that arises from nerve damage.
Define phantom pain.
Pain experienced in a body part that has been amputated.
What is the Wong-Baker scale used for?
Measuring pain intensity usually for children
List common causes of acute and chronic pain.
- Cancer
- Neuropathy
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
What should be considered when treating elderly patients for pain?
Drug-to-drug interactions.
Define substance abuse.
The use of drugs in a manner that is harmful or risky.
What are topical analgesics?
Pain-relieving medications applied to the skin.
What is the purpose of a PCA pump?
Allows patient to administer pain medication by pressing the button
What are common side effects of opioids?
- Respiratory depression
- Constipation
What is Narcan?
An antidote for opioid overdose.
What are non-pharmacological interventions for pain relief?
- Massage
- Heat/cold therapy
- Distractions
- Rest
- Quiet environment
- Dim lighting
- Music
- Deep breathing
- Acupuncture
- Repositioning
What is the typical onset time for IM/IV/SubQ pain medication?
15-30 minutes.
How long does it take for oral pain medication to be effective?
1 hour.
