Pain (Vital Signs)

Question 1

Pain according to Margo McCaffery

Answer 1

“pain is whatever the person says it is and exists whenever he says it does”

Question 2

Pain

Answer 2

• 5th vital sign

- unpleasant and highly personal experience

Question 3

Radiating Pain (Location)

Answer 3

• pain spreads/extends to other areas

- ex. lower back to legs

Question 4

Referred Pain (Location)

Answer 4

• arises in different areas or parts of the body

- ex. cardiac pain may be felt in the left shoulder

Question 5

Visceral Pain (Location)

Answer 5

• pain arising from organs or hollow viscera

Question 6

Acute Pain (Duration)

Answer 6

• lasts only the expected recovery period

- sudden or slow onset, regardless of intensity

Question 7

Chronic Pain (Duration)

Answer 7

• persistent pain

- prolonged, usually recurring or lasting 3 months or longer

Question 8

Types of Pain According to Intensity

Answer 8

mild pain (1-3 rating)
moderate pain (4-6 rating)
severe pain (7-10 rating)

Question 9

Nociceptive Pain (Etiology)

Answer 9

pain experienced when an intact, nervous system sends signals that TISSUES are damaged

Question 10

Types of Nociceptive Pain (etiology)

Answer 10

Somatic - originates in the skin, muscles, bone or connective tissue
Visceral - results from activation of pain receptors in the organs or hollow viscera (ex. labor pain)

Question 11

Neuropathic Pain (Etiology)

Answer 11

• pain associated with damaged or malfunctioning nerves due to an illness, injury, or undetermined reasons
• chronic, and described as “burning”, electric-shock or tingling, dull aching

Question 12

Peripheral Neuropathic Pain (Etiology)

Answer 12

• pain following damage or sensitization of peripheral nerves
• ex. phantom limb, carpal tunnel syndrome

Question 13

Central Neuropathic Pain (Etiology)

Answer 13

results from malfunctioning nerves in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Question 14

Numeric Rating Pain Scale

Answer 14

• one of the most commonly used in health care

- designed to be used by those over 9

Question 15

Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale

Answer 15

• combines pictures and numbers

- can be used in children over the age of 3 and in adults

Question 16

FLACC Scale

Answer 16

• Face, Legs, Activity, Crying, and Consolability

- children who are too young to cooperate verbally and adults who are unable to communicate

Question 17

Color Analog Scale

Answer 17

• uses colors, with red representing severe pain, yellow as moderate pain, and green as comfort