Pain

Question 1

Define pain

Answer 1

The subjective, multifactorial, physical and psychological response to noxious stimuli associated with actual or potential damage to tissue.

Question 2

What is the physiology behind pain?

Answer 2

Pain is sensed from afferent pathways in the nervous system & triggers the release of localised inflammatory mediators including bradykinin, prostaglandin, substance P, histamine, serotonin & potassium.

Question 3

Outline the mnemonic used for the assessment of pain.

Answer 3

OPQRSTT

O: Onset
• What was the pt doing?
• Active, inactive, stressed; sudden, gradual,
chronic

Position/Palliation
• Where is the pain?
• Does anything make the pain better or worse?

Quality
• Describe the pain

Region/Radiation
• Does the pain radiate or move anywhere?

Severity
• How severe is the pain
• 0-10

• Nil, mild, moderate, severe

Timing
• When did the pain start & does it come & go?

Treatment
• Has there been any self-treatment?

Question 4

What are two ways to assess pain in paediatrics?

Answer 4

• Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale; and

* FLACC behavioural assessment scale