Pain Flashcards
What is nociceptive pain
Specialized nerve endings, called nociceptors, detect painful sensations, and transmit them to the central nervous system (CNS)
It is typically predictable and time limited (acute) based on extent of injury
What are examples of nociceptive pain?
Mechanical, thermal, and chemical trauma to tissue such a smashing a finger in the car door or touching a hot stove
What is neuropathic pain?
Abnormal processing of the pain message due to injury to nerve tissue
It is atypical and less predictable
It is harder to treat effectively and may become persistent (chronic)
What are examples of neuropathic pain?
Phantom limb pain, shingles, and multiple sclerosis
Define visceral pain
Originates from internal organs, often described as dull, deep, squeezing, or cramping. Often accompanied by vomiting, nausea, pallor, and diaphoresis
What is somatic pain?
Originate from musculoskeletal tissues, or the body surface and is easy to localize. Like visceral pain it can also cause nausea, tachycardia, and hypertension.
What is deep somatic pain?
Often described as aching or throbbing.
What is cutaneous pain?
It is superficial, sharp, or burning
What is referred pain?
It is felt in an area away from the source. For example, pain from a cardiac episode may cause referred pain in the arm or neck
What we know about infants and pain
Infants can experience pain even before birth
Infants born prematurely may have lower levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters which normally help block pain sensations
Infants of any age need adequate analgesia during painful procedures, like circumcision
What is pain?
Pain is a signal that something is wrong
Pain is not a normal process of aging
What are some examples of pain in older adults?
Osteoarthritis, peripheral vascular disease, cancer, and angina
