22 Questions
What is the primary function of the dermatome?
To conduct impulses from a specific area of the skin
What is the gate-control theory?
A theory that explains how pain pathways in the body can be modified
What is the function of opiate-like chemicals in the body?
To block the release of substance P, resulting in the blockage of pain impulses
What is the role of serotonin in pain control?
To increase the release of enkephalins in the spinal cord
What is the term for the body's own pain control system?
Endogenous analgesic system
What is the name of the chemicals that resemble morphine and are used as analgesics?
Endorphins
What is Neuroleptanesthesia?
A type of general anesthesia where the patient responds to commands but is unaware of the procedure
What is the most common location of sinus headaches?
In the eye and forehead areas
What is the typical characteristic of tension headaches?
A dull, constant ache
What is the underlying cause of migraine headaches?
Abnormal changes in blood flow and metabolism in the brain
What is the characteristic of headaches associated with temporo-mandibular joint syndrome?
A sharp, stabbing pain in the temporal area
What is the typical location of tension headaches?
In the occipital area
What is the characteristic of intracranial headaches?
Result from increased pressure inside the skull
What is the typical relief method for sinus headaches?
Relieved when the cause is removed
What is the primary mechanism of action for non-narcotic analgesic drugs?
Acting on peripheral sites
Which type of anesthesia is used to block nerve conduction below the level of injection?
Spinal or regional anesthesia
What is the purpose of sedatives and antianxiety drugs in pain management?
To promote rest and relaxation
Which type of pain is typically treated with codeine and acetaminophen or aspirin?
Moderate pain
What is the difference between narcotic and non-narcotic analgesic drugs?
Narcotic drugs act on the central nervous system, while non-narcotic drugs act on peripheral sites
What is the purpose of anesthesia in pain management?
To block nerve conduction
Which method of pain management may modify the brain's pain perception and response?
Stress reduction and relaxation techniques
What is the main difference between local anesthesia and general anesthesia?
Local anesthesia is used for specific areas of the body, while general anesthesia is used for the entire body
Study Notes
Types of Anesthesia
- Neuroleptanesthesia is a type of general anesthesia where the patient responds to commands but is unaware of the procedure or discomfort.
Categories of Headache
- Headaches associated with congested sinuses, nasal congestion, and eye strain occur in the eye and forehead areas, are severe and steady, and are relieved when the cause is removed.
- Headaches associated with muscle spasm and tension result from emotional stress or prolonged periods of time in one position, causing a dull constant ache in the occipital area.
- Headaches associated with temporo-mandibular joint syndrome occur in the temporal area, are caused by malocclusion or inflammation of the joint, and lead to muscle tension in the neck.
- Migraine headaches result from abnormal changes in blood flow and metabolism in the brain.
- Intracranial headaches result from increased pressure inside the skull, often due to a space-occupying mass.
Pain Control
- Methods of managing pain include:
- Analgesic drugs (mild: aspirin and paracetamol, moderate: codeine with acetaminophen or aspirin, severe: morphine or other narcotics)
- Sedatives and antianxiety drugs to promote rest and relaxation
- Stress reduction and relaxation techniques
- Heat and cold applications
- Massage and physiotherapy
- Acupuncture
- Surgical intervention to sever sensory nerve pathways
Pain Pathways
- Each spinal nerve conducts impulses from a specific area of the skin called a dermatome
- The dermatome can be used to test for areas of sensory loss or pain sensation and determine the site of damage after spinal cord injuries
Theory of Pain and Pain Control
- The gate-control theory proposes that control systems or gates in the normal pain pathways can modify the entry of pain stimuli into the spinal cord and brain
- The body has its own endogenous analgesic system, which includes:
- Opiate-like chemicals (opioids) secreted by interneurons within the central nervous system, which block the release of substance P and pain impulses
- Endorphins (enkephalins, dynorphins, and beta-lipotropins) that resemble morphine and are used as analgesics
- Serotonin, which increases the release of enkephalins
This quiz covers general surgery topics, including anesthesia and types of headaches, including those associated with sinus congestion and nasal congestion.
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