Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

(Sean Pound) #1

(^536) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified


Pain


Pain is sensed through nerve endings, which are generously spread throughout the
internal tissues and the skin. The brain is the only structure without pain receptors.
When pain receptors are stimulated, discomfort or pain results, prompting that
action be taken to remove the cause of the pain. The pain impulse travels along
sensory fibers of the spinal nerves to the spinal cord and then to the brain, which
interprets the degree and source of the pain. The brain can then signal nerve fibers
to release chemicals to inhibit pain signals. Some of the chemicals—enkephalins,
serotonin, and endorphins—are able to suppress pain signals and provide endoge-
nous pain control. Visceral pain is pain from an organ secondary to surgery, cramp-
ing, ischemia, stretching, or spasms. Referred pain is the sensation of pain coming
from another part of the body than where it actually originates. It is common for
heart pain to be felt in the arm, jaw, or back. The pain impulses from the heart
travel the same circuit as the receptors in these areas, confusing the interpretation
in the brain.

Key Terms


Adjuvant modalities
Biofeedback
Electomyography

Endorphins
Enkephalins
Likert scale

Neuroleptics
Serotonin
Serum levels

Acute pain
Chronic pain
Peripheral neuropathy

Phantom limb pain
Substance use disorders
Drug addiction

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Learning Objectives

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