Pain

Question 1

Nociception

Answer 1

how noxious stimui are typically perceived as pain.

Question 2

Four phases of nociception

Answer 2

1. Transduction – a noxious stimuli is inflicted upon the individual.
2. Transmission – the impulse moves along the spinal cord to the brain, if not interrupted by the opioid receptors.
3. Perception – the noxious stimuli is interpreted as pain.
4. Modulation – the pain impulse may be slowed down by neurotransmitters that act like analgesia (ie. Serotonin, norepinephrine, endorphins, etc).

Question 3

Sources of pain

Answer 3

NOCIOCEPTIVE
Caused by tissue injury, often described as “aching” or “throbbing.”
Somatic
Visceral

NEUROPATHIC
Often results from damage or disease of the somatosensory nervous system, may be described as “shooting” or “burning.”

Question 4

Referred pain

Answer 4

= same spinal nerve innervates both locations, so cannot assume the point of origin

Question 5

Types of pain

Answer 5

Acute pain
Persistent (Chronic) Pain

Question 6

Characteristics of chronic pain

Answer 6

Continues for 6 months or longer
Malignant (cancer-related) or nonmalignant
Does not stop even after tissue has healed

Question 7

What should be considered when listening to an infant or child describe pain?

Answer 7

children experience pain in the same way as adults but are not able to describe it in the same way.

Question 8

Initial Pain assessment

Answer 8

OPQRSTUV

Onset: When did the pain start?
Provocative or palliative: What makes your pain worse? Does anything make it better/relieved?
Quality of pain: Words to describe pain?
Region of body: Where? Does it radiate or move to other areas?
Severity: How do you rate the pain on an intensity scale?
Treatment and Timing of pain: What treatments have worked for you? Is it a constant, dull, or intermittent pain? Pain-free periods or changed over time?
Understanding of pain: What do you believe is causing the pain? Goal for comfort?
Values. Acceptable level of pain? Any other stressors or spiritual pain?

Question 9

How do non-verbal visual pain scales work?

Answer 9

Based off facial expression and body language

Question 10

Use of pain assessment tool

Answer 10

Turns subjective data into objective
Classifies type of pain

Question 11

What can behaviour assessment tools not do well?

Answer 11

Assess the severity of the pain

Question 12

What is important to consider when assisting patient in managing their pain?

Answer 12

That the solution is collaborative with the patient in decision making