Pain I

Question 1

What is the WHO definition of pain?

Answer 1

An unpleasant sensory or emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage

Question 2

Name THREE scales to rate pain

Answer 2

Numerical scale
Graphic scale
Functional scale

Question 3

Name the TWO broad categories of pain

Answer 3

Nociceptive pain

Neuropathic pain

Question 4

How is nociceptive pain described?

Answer 4

Peripheral or visceral pain due to direct activation of nociceptors in response to noxious stimuli

Question 5

How do you differentiate between acute and chronic nociceptive pain?

Answer 5

Acute - < 3-6 months

Chronic - > 6 months

Question 6

How is neuropathic pain caused?

Answer 6

Pain produced by damage to or dysfunction of nerve in the periphery or CNS

Question 7

What is the THREE staged process of pain perception?

Answer 7

Detection of pain
Transmission of pain signals
Reception of signals

Question 8

What does the gate theory propose?

Answer 8

Theory proposes that a gate made of transmission neurones controls the perception of pain

Question 9

Name ONE way to open the gate

Answer 9

Activation of C or A-delta fibres

Question 10

Name TWO ways to close the gate

Answer 10

Activation of A-beta fibres

Activation of descending inhibitory pathway

Question 11

Broadly speaking, what are the TWO categories of pain therapy?

Answer 11

Non opioid analgesics

Opioid analgesics

Question 12

Why are COX-2 selective NSAIDs not favoured?

Answer 12

Due to cardiovascular side effect profile

Question 13

Name FIVE opioid receptor agonists

Answer 13

Morphine
Fentanyl
Oxycodone
Codeine
Tramadol

Question 14

Name FIVE side effects caused by opioid analgesic use

Answer 14

Respiratory depression
Euphoria
Cough suppression
Nausea
Constipation

Question 15

Describe the concept of the WHO pain ladder

Answer 15

Therapy for pain is gradually stepped up in accordance to pain experienced ranging from non opioid analgesics to opioid analgesics which increase in strength