Pain

Question 1

What modalities are associated with the gate control pain theory?

Answer 1

• Massage
• Heat and cold
• Acupuncture
• TENS

Question 2

How does past experience with pain influence current pain experience?

Answer 2

The more pain experienced in childhood, the greater is the perception of pain in adulthood or with current pain experience.

Question 3

What modalities are thought to increase the production of endogenous opiates?

Answer 3

• Acupuncture
• Administration of placebos
• TENS

Question 4

What six factors should the nurse include when assessing the pain experience?

Answer 4

1. location
2. intensity
3. comfort measures
4. quality
5. chronology
6. subjective view of pain

Question 5

What mechanism is involved in the reduction of pain through the administration of NSAIDs?

Answer 5

NSAIDs act via a peripheral mechanism at the level of damaged tissue by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and other chemical mediators involved in pain transmission.

Question 6

If narcotic agonist/antagonist drugs are administered to a client already taking narcotic drugs, what may be the result?

Answer 6

Initiation of withdrawal symptoms.

Question 7

List four side effects of narcotic medications.

Answer 7

1. nausea/vomiting
2. constipation
3. CNS depression
4. respiratory depression

Question 8

What is the antidote for narcotic-induced respiratory depression?

Answer 8

Narcan (naloxone)

Question 9

What is the first sign of tolerance to pain analgesics?

Answer 9

Decreased duration of drug effectiveness.

Question 10

Which route of administration for pain medications has the quickest onset and the shortest duration?

Answer 10

Intravenous push, or bolus.

Question 11

List the six modalities that are considered noninvasive, nonpharmacologic pain relief measures.

Answer 11

1. heat and cold applications
2. TENS
3. massage
4. distraction
5. relaxation techniques
6. biofeedback techniques