U2.2 Pain Medication Therapy Flashcards
Describe the nursing process in the care of the patient having pain & receiving pharmacotherapy for pain.
- Assess pain or migraine
- Analyze patient’s needs
- Prioritize nursing diagnosis and goals of care
- Implementation of care to achieve pain management
- Compare actual outcome with expected outcome
acute pain
Abrupt onset, but brief duration.
chronic pain
> 6 months, can interfere with daily activities, is sometimes associated with feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
chronic nonmalignant pain
Not life-threatening and usually responds favorably to a consistent, stable dose of pain medication as a part of the treatment regimen.
chronic malignant pain
Associated with cancer - ends with control of the disease or death.
nociceptor pain
Nociceptors are sensory nerve receptors strategically located throughout the body that initiate pain transmission when stimulated.
further subdivided –> somatic or visceral
somatic pain
Sharp, localized sensations usually experienced in muscles and joints.
visceral pain
A generalized dull, throbbing, or aching pain usually located in internal organs.
neuropathic pain
Injury or irritation to nerve tissue. Typically described as burning, shooting, or numbing pain.
How is pain classified?
By its duration (acute or chronic) and source (nociceptor or neuropathic.)
What is the purpose of classifying pain?
To guide appropriate treatment rationales based on the type of pain reported by the client.
What are the phases of pain physiology?
- Pain transduction
- Pain transmission
- Pain perception
- Pain modulation
pain transduction
1st phase of pain physiology. Trauma stimulates nociceptor.
pain transmission
2nd phase of pain physiology. Pain impulse travels along peripheral nerves to spinal cord along A and C fibers
pain perception
3rd phase of pain physiology. Cerebral cortex recognizes the pain stimulus.
