Recognition of Pain in Animals

Question 1

What are the 2 components of the pain response?

Answer 1

Sensory: nociception
Affective: pain perception

Question 2

What is the function of pain?

Answer 2

Protective mechanism to prevent the body from damage

Question 3

What are the negative aspects of acute pain?

Answer 3

Predisposes to chronic pain and cardiac dysrhythmias
Prevents sleeping, normal function
May push body into catabolic state
Can lead to depression, aggression

Question 4

What are the 5 steps for pain assessment and recognition?

Answer 4

1. Observe patient without any interaction
2. Observe patient while interacting with patient
3. Observe patient while moving freely
4. Observe response to palpation
5. Score patient using a score sytem

Question 5

How can we assess pain in anesthetized patients?

Answer 5

Patient movement
Increased RR, BP, HR
Signs of light plane of anesthesia (palpebral, nystagmus, jaw tone)
Knowledge of surgical procedure throughout surgery