Pain and Comfort

Question 1

Define comfort

Answer 1

a personal and intrinsic balance of the most basic physiological, emotional, social, and spiritual needs– without some level of comfort, wellness is beyond reach

Question 2

Define pain

Answer 2

a sensation of distress, and can occur at a physiological, and spiritual level– any type of pain can result in reduced socialization, impaired mobility and a reconsideration of the meaning of life and self

Question 3

What is considered the fifth vital sign?

Answer 3

pain

Question 4

Describe osteoarthritis

Answer 4

-the destruction of the inner joint surfaces
-the most common form of joint disease
-joint pain and stiffness are initially intermittent, and then become persistent
-pain is characterized by aching in the joints with inactivity and discomfort or acute pain with activity

Question 5

Describe Varicella Zoster

Answer 5

-shingles
-viral infection of the nerves
-sensation of itching, stinging, burning pain along the dermatome
-an acute episode lasts from days to weeks and a chronic episode can last much longer
-vaccination may be offered to older adults to prevent/reduce risk of developing shingles