pain + comfort Flashcards
(34 cards)
What is pain?
An unpleasant, subjective sensation that exists when the person experiencing it says it exists
highly individualized.
What is the most reliable indicator of pain?
The patient’s self-report.
What is pain threshold?
The point at which a person perceives pain.
What is pain tolerance?
The level of pain a person is willing to endure.
What are the types of pain based on duration?
Acute and chronic.
What are examples of pain based on etiology?
Cancer pain, burn pain.
What are the pathological types of pain?
Nociceptive and neuropathic.
What is somatic nociceptive pain?
Pain from skin, muscles, joints, or bones. Well-localized, sharp, throbbing, or aching.
What is visceral nociceptive pain?
Pain from internal organs; diffuse, poorly localized, deep, cramp-like, or aching.
What is referred pain?
Pain perceived at a location distant from the source; commonly involves visceral organ damage.
What is peripheral neuropathic pain?
Pain caused by damage to peripheral nerves; burning, tingling, or shooting pain.
What is central neuropathic pain?
Pain from damage or dysfunction in the CNS; burning, aching, or stabbing.
What is phantom limb pain?
Pain in an amputated limb; due to nerve damage and brain representation of the limb.
What is the nurse’s role in pain assessment?
Assess, understand, treat, and reassess pain.
What does the PQRST method of pain assessment stand for?
Provocation/Palliation
Quality/Quantity
Region/Radiation
Severity
Timing
How is pain assessed in non-communicative patients?
Assess diagnosis
look for behaviors
ask family
check physiological responses.
How is pain managed in children?
Frequent assessment and treatment; involve parents.
What are the basic principles of pain management? (7)
Believe the client
ensure adequate relief
work with team
prevent + minimize side effects
educate
use prescribed meds
evaluate effectiveness.
What are the main categories of analgesics?
Nonopioids, opioids, and adjuvant medications.
What are examples of nonopioid analgesics?
Acetaminophen, NSAIDs.
What are examples of adjuvant pain medications?
Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids.
What are examples of opioid analgesics?
Morphine, fentanyl, hydromorphone.
What is PCA (patient-controlled analgesia)?
A system allowing self-administration of opioids with minimal overdose risk.
