Effects of acute pain

Question 1

What are the cardiovascular effects on the body from acute pain?

Answer 1

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Increased need for oxygen
• Water retention, potential fluid overload

Question 2

What are the nursing interventions when there are cardiovascular changes?

Answer 2

• Monitor and interpret vital signs
• Administer oxygen as prescribed
• Monitor fluid balance

Question 3

What are the respiratory effects on the body from acute pain?

Answer 3

• Increased respiratory rate
• Shallow breathing
• Increased risk of infection

Question 4

What are the nursing interventions when there are respiratory changes?

Answer 4

• Encourage deep breathing and coughing so lungs fully inflate and secretions are evacuated
• Provide pad and/or pillow to support abdominal or thoracic wounds

Question 5

What are the immune effects on the body from acute pain?

Answer 5

• Increased susceptibility to infection
• Increased or decreased sensitivity to pain
• Activation of HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical) axis

Question 6

What are the nursing interventions when there are immunity changes?

Answer 6

• Monitor temperature
• Use infection prevention and control measures

Question 7

What are the endocrine effects on the body from acute pain?

Answer 7

• Increased blood glucose
• Increased cortisol production

Question 8

What are the nursing interventions when there are endocrine changes?

Answer 8

• Monitor blood glucose in patients with diabetes

Question 9

What are the gastrointestinal effects on the body from acute pain?

Answer 9

• Reduced gastric emptying and intestinal motility
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation

Question 10

What are the nursing interventions when there are gastrointestinal changes?

Answer 10

• Use anti-emetic medication as prescribed
• Use laxatives as prescribed
• Ensure adequate hydration

Question 11

What are the urinary effects on the body from acute pain?

Answer 11

• Urge to urinate/incontinence

Question 12

What are the nursing interventions when there are urinary changes?

Answer 12

• Monitor urine output and colour

Question 13

What are the musculoskeletal effects on the body from acute pain?

Answer 13

• Tense muscles local to injury
• Shaking or shivering
• Goosebumps

Question 14

What are the nursing interventions when there are musculoskeletal changes?

Answer 14

• Encourage relaxation
• Provide more comfortable bedding
• Support movement using analgesia, splinting and/or weight reduction strategies

Question 15

What are the nervous system changes in the body from acute pain?

Answer 15

• Changes in pain processing
• Risk of pain becoming chronic

Question 16

What are the nursing interventions when there are nervous system changes?

Answer 16

• Provide effective analgesia, closely monitor response and side-effects
• Raise concerns if pain not well managed

Question 17

What are the changes to the brain from acute pain?

Answer 17

• Anxiety/fear
• Depression
• Poor concentration
• Inhibition or promotion of pain

Question 18

What are the nursing interventions when there are changes to the brain?

Answer 18

• Communicate and inform effectively
• Assess anxiety, depression and catastrophisation
• Teach effective coping strategies
• Provide reassurance
• Be visible and responsive to patient’s needs