pain assessment

Question 1

what is pain?

Answer 1

pain is what the patient says it is, unpleasant sensory/emotional experience

Question 2

what kind of data is pain

Answer 2

subjective ONLY

Question 3

types of pain

Answer 3

acute, chronic

Question 4

acute pain

Answer 4

short term and self limiting, predictable trajectory, a “purpose”, incident pain (ex: curling iron)

Question 5

chronic pain

Answer 5

serves no purpose, outlasts its protective purpose, not protective, 6 months or longer, ex: arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain

Question 6

PQRST method

Answer 6

P - provocation/palliation
Q - quality/quantity
R - region/radiation
S - severity scale
T - timing

Question 7

objective data preparation

Answer 7

is it acute or chronic? physical findings may not always support patient’s complaints, should not be discounted because of objective data, make every effort to reduct or eliminate pain with appropriate nonpharmacologic intervention

Question 8

nonverbal behaviors of pain

Answer 8

influenced by nature of pain, age, cultural and gender expectations

Question 9

acute pain behaviors

Answer 9

guarding, grimacing, diaphoresis, vocalizations, change in vital signs

Question 10

chronic pain behaviors

Answer 10

bracing, rubbing, sighing, change in appetite, adaptation occurs over time