Week 4 - Consequences of Unrelieved Pain

Question 1

What are the consequences of unrelieved pain on the endocrine/metabolic processes? (5)

Answer 1

Stress Response
- altered release of hormones

Clinical Manifestations
- Weight loss
- fever
- increased RR and HR
- Shock

Question 2

What are the consequences of unrelieved pain on the CV system? (6)

Answer 2

Stress response
- increased HR, BP
- increased oxygen demand
- clotting

Clinical Manifestations
- Unstable angina
- MI
- DVT

Question 3

What are the consequences of unrelieved pain on the respiratory system? (4)

Answer 3

Stress Response
- decreased airflow
- d/t limited respiratory effort

Clinical Manifestation
- atelectasis
- pneumonia

Question 4

What are the consequences of unrelieved pain on the GI tract? (5)

Answer 4

Stress Response
- decreased rate of emptying and motility

Clinical Manifestation
- decreased gastric emptying and motility
- ileus
- anorexia
- constipation

Question 5

What are the consequences of unrelieved pain on the Musculoskeletal system? (5)

Answer 5

Stress response
- muscle spasm
- impaired muscle mobility

Clinical manifestations
- immobility
- weakness
- fatigue

Question 6

What are the consequences of unrelieved pain on the immune system? (2)

Answer 6

Stress Response
- impaired immune function

Clinical manifestations
- infection

Question 7

What are the consequences of unrelieved pain on the genitourinary system? (4)

Answer 7

Stress Response
- abnormal release of hormones

Clinical Manifestations
- decreased urine output
- HTN
- Electrolyte imbalance

Question 8

What are the psychological consequences of unrelieved pain? (4)

Answer 8

1. Chronic pain may be associated with psychological and social consequences
2. Undertreated or untreated pain can negatively impact nearly every aspect of a person’s life
3. Treating pain with opioids can psychosocial consequences, including opioid use disorder
4. addiction can impact every aspect of a person’s life

Question 9

What is the hierarchy of pain assessment? (5)

Answer 9

1. Attempt to obtain self report
2. Consider underlying pathology/condition that might be painful
   - assume pain present
3. Observe behaviour
4. Evaluate physiologic indicators
   - ie. other clinical manifestation
5. Conduct an analgesic trial