Pain Management

Question 1

Define:

pain

Answer 1

An unpleasant sensation that signals actual or potential damage to the body.

Pain can be acute or chronic and varies in intensity.

Question 2

How does acute pain differ from chronic pain?

Answer 2

• Acute pain: Short-term and linked to injury or surgery.
• Chronic pain: Lasts longer and may not have a clear cause.

Acute pain occurs suddenly and lasts a short time, while chronic pain persists for more than six months.

Chronic pain can be constant or intermittent.

Question 3

True or False:

Older adults are less likely to experience chronic pain than younger adults.

Answer 3

False

Older adults have a higher prevalence of chronic pain conditions.

Question 4

List THREE common conditions associated with chronic pain.

Answer 4

1. Arthritis
2. Osteoporosis
3. Cancer

Other conditions include amputation and peripheral neuropathy.

Question 5

Fill in the blank:

______ _____ ______ pain is caused by blocked blood flow to the legs, leading to skin ulcers and tissue death.

Answer 5

Peripheral artery disease

(PAD)

PAD results in pain, slow wound healing, and possible gangrene.

Question 6

Define:

pain threshold

Answer 6

The point at which a person first perceives pain.

Example: A person with a low pain threshold may find an injection very painful, while someone with a high pain threshold may not feel much pain.

Question 7

Define:

pain tolerance

Answer 7

The maximum pain a person can endure before seeking treatment.

Pain tolerance vary among individuals.

Example: A person with low pain tolerance seeks medical attention quickly, while someone with high pain tolerance may wait months or years.

Question 8

Define:

phantom pain

Answer 8

Pain that feels like it is coming from a limb that has been amputated.

The brain still perceives signals from the missing limb.

Question 9

List TWO factors that affect how a person experiences pain.

Answer 9

1. Culture
2. Emotional state

In some cultures, enduring pain without complaint may be encouraged.

Anxiety, worry or emotional upset can make it difficult for a person to handle pain.

Question 10

How can past pain experiences affect how a person reacts to pain?

Answer 10

Someone with frequent pain may tolerate it better or, conversely, be more sensitive.

The person may be so worn down by past experiences with pain that each new episode of pain becomes more difficult for the person to handle.

Question 11

What roles does a nurse assistant play in pain management?

Answer 11

1. Recognizing pain.
2. Reporting pain.
3. Promoting comfort measures.

CNAs cannot administer medication but provide valuable observations.

Question 12

Why is managing pain important for overall health?

Answer 12

It improves:

• Mobility
• Emotional well-being
• Quality of life

A person who is in pain may have reduced mobility and may not be able to participate in self-care activities.

Question 13

List THREE consequences of untreated pain.

Answer 13

1. Sleep disturbances.
2. Emotional distress.
3. Decreased mobility.

Pain affects both physical and emotional well-being.

A decreased ability to do things independently and to engage in enjoyable activities can lead to depression and loneliness.

Question 14

Fill in the blank:

A person with a ______ pain response may endure pain without expressing discomfort.

Answer 14

stoic

Stoicism is about accepting what you are suffering and thus stopping it from affecting you.

Question 15

Define:

pain assessment

Answer 15

The process of evaluating a patient’s pain level, location, and impact.

CNAs should observe and report pain indicators to nurses.

Question 16

What are TWO common tools used to assess pain?

Answer 16

1. The numeric pain scale
2. Wong-Baker Faces scale

Pain scales help patients describe their pain intensity.

Question 17

How should a CNA report a patient’s pain?

Answer 17

Include:

1. Location
2. Type
3. Intensity
4. Frequency

A thorough report helps nurses determine treatment options.

Question 18

List words that are used to describe pain.

Answer 18

1. Dull
2. Sharp, piercing, stabbing or shooting
3. Achy or sore
4. Nagging
5. Throbbing, pulsating or pounding
6. Burning, tingling, or a pins and needles sensation

Others:

• Gnawing
• Spasm
• Crampy
• Squeezing, crushing or feeling of pressure
• Radiating or spreading

Question 19

Why might a patient hesitate to report pain?

Answer 19

• Fear of addiction.
• Not wanting to be a burden.
• Cultural reasons.

Some patients believe pain is a normal part of aging.

Question 20

Which nonverbal cues indicate pain?

Answer 20

• Facial expressions such as frowning or showing a worried facial expression.
• Body movements such as rocking and pacing.
• Vocalizations such as moaning and crying.

Some patients may not verbalize pain but show it through behavior.

Other cues include aggressiveness, resisting care, rubbing or guarding the affected part, and reduced appetite.

Question 21

What is the difference between dependence and addiction to pain medication?

Answer 21

• Dependence: A physical reliance on medication.
• Addiction: Compulsive drug-seeking behavior.

Dependence occurs with long-term medication use and improves daily function while addiction drives compulsive drug-seeking, reducing the ability to function.

Question 22

Fill in the blank:

______ medications work by blocking pain signals in the nervous system.

Answer 22

Opioid

Opioids are used for severe pain but require careful monitoring.

They can cause dependence but are not necessarily addictive when used correctly.

Question 23

What should a CNA do if a patient refuses pain medication?

Answer 23

Report it to the nurse and document the refusal.

Patients have the right to refuse treatment.

Question 24

True or False:

Pain should only be treated with medication.

Answer 24

False

Pain management includes both medication and non-medication interventions.

Question 25

# Define: heat therapy

Answer 25

The application of warmth to **relieve pain** and **promote circulation**. ## Footnote Heat therapy should be applied with caution to avoid burns.

Question 26

What is the **maximum** recommended temperature for heat applications?

Answer 26

105°F | (40.5°C) ## Footnote Excessive heat can cause burns and skin damage.

Question 27

List THREE types of **heat therapy**.

Answer 27

1. Warm compress. 1. Aquathermia pad. 1. Warm soak. ## Footnote Heat therapy relaxes muscles and increases blood flow.

Question 28

# Fill in the blanks: A \_\_\_\_\_ or \_\_\_\_\_ **should never** be applied directly to the skin.

Answer 28

heating pad; ice pack ## Footnote Always wrap heating or cooling devices in a cloth.

Question 29

What is a **warm soak** used for?

Answer 29

To relieve **joint stiffness** and promote **relaxation**. ## Footnote Warm soaks improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.

Question 30

Why should a CNA **be cautious** when applying an aquathermia pad?

Answer 30

It can cause **burns** if misused. ## Footnote Always follow facility guidelines for safe application.

Question 31

# True or False: **Cold therapy** reduces inflammation and numbs pain.

Answer 31

True ## Footnote Cold constricts blood vessels and decreases inflammation. A cold compress is useful for reducing swelling and numbing pain.

Question 32

What is **distraction** as a pain management technique?

Answer 32

Redirecting a patient’s attention **away from pain**. ## Footnote Music, conversation, or activities can serve as distractions.

Question 33

How can **proper positioning** help relieve pain?

Answer 33

* It reduces pressure on affected areas. * It improves circulation. ## Footnote Supportive pillows and frequent repositioning help maintain comfort.

Question 34

Why is **rest important** in pain management?

Answer 34

Sleep **restores energy** and helps the body heal. ## Footnote Poor sleep can worsen pain perception.

Question 35

List FOUR strategies of **promoting rest and sleep**.

Answer 35

1. Maintain familiar and comforting bedtime routines. 1. Limit daytime naps. 1. Keep linens clean, wrinkle-free, and maintain a comfortable temperature. 1. Allow the patient to use the bathroom before bed. ## Footnote Overall, be observant for signs or complaints of pain, and report these to the nurse promptly.

Question 36

List TWO factors that can **interfere with sleep**.

Answer 36

1. Pain 1. Anxiety ## Footnote Uncontrolled pain can lead to sleep disturbances.

Question 37

# Fill in the blank: A CNA **should observe** for signs of \_\_\_\_\_ damage when applying heat or cold therapy.

Answer 37

skin ## Footnote Burns or frostbite can occur if treatments are applied incorrectly.

Question 38

How does **massage** help relieve pain?

Answer 38

It promotes **relaxation** and reduces **muscle tension**. ## Footnote Massaging painful areas can improve blood flow and comfort.

Question 39

# Define: chronic pain syndrome

Answer 39

A condition where **pain persists** even after the initial injury heals. ## Footnote Chronic pain often requires a combination of treatments.

Question 40

What are signs of **medication side effects** to report?

Answer 40

* Dizziness * Nausea * Confusion ## Footnote Some pain medications cause unwanted side effects.

Question 41

List TWO **relaxation techniques** that help with pain.

Answer 41

1. Deep breathing 1. Meditation ## Footnote They reduce stress and muscle tension. Relaxation helps control pain perception.

Question 42

List TWO benefits of **physical activity** in pain management.

Answer 42

1. Improves circulation. 1. Strengthens muscles. ## Footnote Regular movement can reduce chronic pain symptoms.

Question 43

# True or False: CNAs can adjust a patient’s pain medication dose.

Answer 43

False ## Footnote Medication adjustments must be made by a licensed nurse or physician.