Pain Management Concepts and Categorization

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Questions and Answers

What defines breakthrough pain?

Pain that is continuously present after surgery

Pain that persists for more than six months

Pain that occurs unexpectedly in chronic conditions (correct)

A type of mixed pain

Which factor is NOT considered a risk factor for undertreatment of pain?

Cultural and societal attitudes

Lack of knowledge

Fear of addiction

Age of the client (correct)

What type of pain is defined by the pathology involved?

Chronic pain

Acute pain

Nociceptive pain (correct)

Breakthrough pain

Which condition is NOT typically associated with mixed pain?

Spinal cord injury Signup and view all the answers

What behavioral indicator can assist in assessing pain in nonverbal clients?

Facial expressions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes neuropathic pain?

Pain arising from nerve damage or dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

How does cognitive function impact the pain experience?

Cognitively impaired clients may report pain inaccurately Signup and view all the answers

In which population is there a heightened risk for undertreatment of pain?

Older adults Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of adjuvant analgesics?

To enhance the effects of non-opioids and alleviate conditions that aggravate pain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following interventions is recommended for managing opioid-induced constipation?

Administer more fluids and increase fiber intake Signup and view all the answers

What should be done in response to a patient experiencing orthostatic hypotension after opioid administration?

Instruct the patient to remain still and lie down if feeling lightheaded Signup and view all the answers

How should respiratory depression due to opioid use be initially addressed?

Reduce the opioid dose given Signup and view all the answers

Which medication should be considered for managing nausea caused by opioid use?

Ondansetron Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) systems?

Ensures consistent plasma levels and gives patients a sense of control Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of monitoring respiratory rate prior to opioid administration?

To establish a baseline for detecting respiratory depression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended approach for managing urinary retention in opioid users?

Manually stimulate bladder contraction Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pain Categorization

Pain is categorized by duration (acute or chronic) or by pathology (nociceptive or neuropathic).
Mixed pain is possible and difficult to categorize, arising from conditions like fibromyalgia, HIV, and Lyme disease.
Breakthrough pain is an exacerbation of acute pain, requiring additional relief, especially in clients with chronic conditions.

Risk Factors for Untreated Pain

Cultural and societal attitudes can affect pain management.
Lack of knowledge regarding pain management can lead to undertreatment.
Fear of addiction can prevent adequate pain relief.
Exaggerated fear of respiratory depression can hinder pain management decisions.
Populations at risk for undertreatment include infants, children, older adults, and clients with substance use disorders.

Causes of Acute and Chronic Pain

Trauma
Surgery
Cancer (tumor invasion, nerve compression, bone metastases, associated infections, immobility)
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Neuropathy
Diagnostic or treatment procedures (injection, intubation, radiation)

Factors Affecting the Pain Experience

Age:
- Infants cannot communicate pain.
- Older adults often have multiple conditions contributing to pain and reduced function.
Fatigue: Increases sensitivity to pain.
Genetics: Can influence pain tolerance.
Cognitive function: Impaired cognitive function may lead to inaccurate pain reporting.
Prior experiences: Past pain experiences affect sensitivity.
Anxiety and fear: Increase pain sensitivity.
Support systems: Can decrease pain sensitivity.
Culture: Influences how pain is expressed and perceived.

Expected Findings/Assessment

Pain assessment includes both self-report and observed behaviors.
Behaviors:
- Facial expressions (grimacing, forehead wrinkling)
- Body movements (restlessness, pacing, guarding)
- Moaning, crying
- Decreased attention span
Physiological indicators (blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate): Increase temporarily during acute pain, but not a reliable long-term measure of pain intensity.

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Description

Explore the various aspects of pain management, including pain categorization by duration and pathology. Understand the risk factors for untreated pain and the causes of both acute and chronic pain. This quiz will provide insights into effective pain management strategies and considerations.