Pain

Question 1

What is nociceptive pain?

Answer 1

Pain from mechanical, thermal, or chemical stimuli

Described as sharp, aching, or throbbing

Question 2

What are the two types of nociceptive pain?

Answer 2

Somatic - skin, muscles, joints
Visceral - internal organs (i.e. appendicitis)

Question 3

What is neuropathic pain?

Answer 3

Pain from peripheral nerves, spinal cord, or brain

Described as burning, tingling/numbness, electric-like, pins/needles

Question 4

What medications are commonly used for nociceptive pain?

Answer 4

Analgesics
NSAIDs

Question 5

What medications are commonly used for neuropathic pain?

Answer 5

Gabapentin, Pregabalin
Amitriptyline, Duloxetine

Question 6

How do you initiate pharmacological pain management in older adults?

Answer 6

Start low and go slow
Pain diary

Question 7

What is a patient teaching about using nonopioid analgesics (i.e. acetaminophen, ibuprofen)?

Answer 7

Take with food

Question 8

What are nursing implications when the older adult is on opioid medications?

Answer 8

Increased risk for respiratory depression
May cause urinary retention
May cause constipation

Question 9

Opioid naive patients should never receive what?

Answer 9

Fentanyl patches

Question 10

Which opioids should you avoid in the older adult

Answer 10

Levorphanol
Meperidine
Pentazocine