WEEK 2: Non pharmacological pain management

Question 1

Why do people seek healthcare?

Answer 1

Pain

Question 2

What are the different types of pain?

Answer 2

1) Acute: transient and typically lasts hours-month

2) Chronic : persistent and usually lasts > 3 months

Question 3

What are the different types of analgesics (pain medication)?

Answer 3

1) Nonopioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug AKA (NSAIDS)
2) Opioids (narcotics)
3) Adjuvants or coanalgesics (antidepressants and muscle relaxants)

Question 4

Name some safety guidelines for when giving pain medication?

Answer 4

• Monitor for signs of oversedation
• Monitor activities like standing, sitting, transfer to chair if pt received an opioid
• Pt’s getting opioids for chronic pain may need higher doses of analgesics to alleviate new or increases pain. NOT addiction but tolerance

Question 5

What’s the purpose of non-pharmacological pain relief measures?

Answer 5

To alter the patient’s perception of pain, diminish physical effects of pain

Question 6

What are the 2 types of non-pharmacological pain- management measures?

Answer 6

1) Relaxation & Guided Imagery
2) Cutaneous Stimulation
- Massage
- Heat & cold
- Distraction

Question 7

What are the responses to heat and cold?

Answer 7

Heat = vasodilation

Cold – vasoconstriction

Question 8

Define cold therapy

Answer 8

Reduces the conduction of pain impulses because skin temperature is lowered. You apply cold to
- Soft tissue injuries, acute injury to reduce inflammation

Question 9

Define hot therapy

Answer 9

Applied to longstanding injuries to increase blood flow

Question 10

Define contrast therapy

Answer 10

Using alternative cold-to-heat ratios. Effective for MSK injuries to reduce inflammation, edema and

Question 11

What are some safety guidelines for hot or cold application?

Answer 11

• Know your pt’s risk for injury from heat or cold
• Protect damaged skin when applying hot or cold therapy
• Know the temperature and check with device or applying to skin
• Consider pt’s vitals as well

Question 12

What is the principle for applying cold therapy: PRICE?

Answer 12

P: protect from further injury
R: restrict/rest activity
I: Apply Ice
C: Apply compression
E: Elevate injured area

Question 13

Discuss hypothermia or hyperthermia blanket

Answer 13

Discuss hypothermia or hyperthermia blanket