Measuring and Assessing Pain Flashcards
what are pressure thresholds used for?
assessing clinical pain
wound palpation, joint flexion, weight bearing
is there an objective indicator of the amount of pain experienced by an animal?
no
when is cortisol elevated?
pain
fear
stress
non-specific
is abnormal blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate useful for cage side assessment of pain?
not really
definitely not for chronic pain
what are some things that animals do when they are painful?
be immobile
be stiff
be grumpy or non-interactive
display abnormal postures
focus on self
how can you assess pain in a non socialized animal?
observe engaged in task, walking, climbing
if analgesic administration changes behavior, was pain probably present?
yes
how can you assess acute pain?
orientation in cage
posture and movement
facial expression
response to treatment, handling, palpation
what is the current gold standard in veterinary medicine?
composite measure pain scales
what should you observe in an animal when assessing them for pain?
what they are doing
what they are not doing
what can you do in a socialized animal to assess whether or not it is in pain?
touch
palpate
what can you do in a non socialized animals to assess whether or not it is in pain?
observe engaged in task, walking, climbing
true/false: as pain decreases, normal behaviors begin to reappear in both acute and chronic pain
true
what can you observe in an animal to assess its pain level?
orientation in cage/run/stall
posture and movement- degree relaxation
facial expression
response to treatment, handling, palpation
what are some acute pain assessments?
difference from pre-surgical demeanor
palpate site
anticipate other sources of discomfort
anxiety
