NAT Questions Flashcards Chapter 16

Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements about pain is true? (Select all that apply)

Pain is an emotional reaction to actual or potential damage to the body.

A person's pain can be objectively measured.

Pain is an unpleasant sensation that signals actual or potential damage to the body. (correct)

Pain is a normal consequence of aging.

Which is true of acute pain?

It usually lasts less than 1 month.

It occurs more in older people.

It generally gets better as the tissue heals. (correct)

It generally lasts longer than 6 months.

Which is true of chronic pain?

Older people often have at least one condition that causes chronic pain. (correct)

It usually lasts less than 6 months.

It is most often related to surgery.

Nothing can be done about it.

Which of the following can be negatively impacted by the presence of persistent pain?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Pain tolerance refers to:

The highest level of discomfort or pain the person is able to endure before seeking relief. Signup and view all the answers

You are caring for Mrs. Davis, who has difficulty communicating due to a stroke. She is usually pleasant, but today when you attempt to help her out of her chair, she hits you. You should:

Recognize this as a sign that Mrs. Davis may be experiencing pain and report it to the nurse. Signup and view all the answers

Which report about Mr. Jordon's pain has the most helpful information?

He has constant complaints of pins and needles in his feet, which makes it hard for him to walk. Signup and view all the answers

It is 2 a.m. and Mr. Owens complains to you that he cannot sleep because of pain. One thing that you can do on your own to help reduce his pain is:

Sit with him awhile and talk to him about his garden. Signup and view all the answers

The nurse asks you to apply an ice bag to Mrs. Bowling's right foot. As you prepare for the procedure, you notice that Mrs. Bowling's right foot is cold to the touch and has purple discoloration. You should:

Immediately go back to the nurse to report your finding before you begin. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding Pain

Pain is primarily described as an unpleasant sensation signalling actual or potential damage to the body.
Subjective nature of pain makes it difficult to measure objectively.
Pain can be an emotional reaction influenced by various factors.

Acute vs. Chronic Pain

Acute pain generally improves with healing of tissue and usually lasts less than one month.
Chronic pain often lasts longer than six months, frequently affects older adults, and is commonly associated with ongoing health conditions rather than surgery.

Impact of Persistent Pain

Persistent pain can adversely affect multiple aspects of a person's life, including:
- Appetite
- Sleep quality
- Independence and daily functioning

Pain Tolerance and Experience

Pain tolerance is defined as the maximum level of discomfort a person can endure before seeking relief.
Awareness of pain occurs at different thresholds for individuals.

Behavioral Signs of Pain

Changes in behavior, such as aggression or withdrawal, may indicate pain, especially in those who have communication difficulties.
Recognition of such signs is crucial for timely intervention and reporting to medical professionals.

Effective Communication of Pain

Descriptive feedback regarding pain, such as persistent complaints of "pins and needles," provides valuable information for caregivers.
Specificity in reporting symptoms helps in the assessment and management of a patient's pain.

Non-Pharmacological Pain Management

Engaging in conversation about pleasant topics can help distract patients from pain and provide comfort.
Establishing a connection can prove beneficial in the management of acute pain episodes.

Safety Precautions in Pain Management

Observe for any signs that may indicate complications, such as discoloration or unusual temperature variances in the affected body part, prior to treatment.
Immediate reporting of concerning findings to nursing staff is essential to ensure patient safety before proceeding with treatments like ice application.

Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 16 NAT concepts with these flashcards! Explore key statements regarding pain and its implications. This quiz is designed to reinforce your understanding of essential topics covered in this chapter.