d.The pain threshold varies from person
to person, but many studies conclude
that males have lower thresholds than
females.
e.The sensation of pain is regulated or modi-
fied by neuromodulators.
f.Endorphins are powerful pain-blocking
chemicals that have prolonged analgesic
effects, produce euphoria, and may be
released when certain measures are used
to relieve pain.
6.Which of the following are physiologic
responses to pain? (Select all that apply.)
a.Exaggerated weeping and restlessness
b.Protecting the painful area
c.Increased blood pressure
d.Muscle tension and rigidity
e.Nausea and vomiting
f.Grimacing and moaning
DEVELOPING YOUR
KNOWLEDGE BASE
FILL-IN-THE-BLANKS
1.A patient who experiences acute pain
following a noxious stimulus is experiencing
pain.
2.A patient who has pain related to a surgical
incision is experiencing pain.
3.A patient who complains of pain that is poorly
localized following abdominal surgery is most
likely experiencing pain.
4.A person who experiences a “head rush” from
eating ice cream too fast is experiencing
.
5.A patient who has sharp pains in his left
arm following a myocardial infarction is
experiencing pain.
MATCHING EXERCISES
Match the type of pain listed in Part A with its
definition listed in Part B.
PART A
a.Nociceptive pain
b.Cutaneous pain
c.Somatic pain
d.Visceral pain
e.Neuropathic pain
f.Allodynia
g.Psychogenic pain
h.Referred pain
i.Acute pain
j.Chronic pain
k.Intractable pain
PART B
- Pain that results from an injury to, or
abnormal functioning of, peripheral
nerves or the central nervous system - Pain that is resistant to therapy and per-
sists despite a variety of interventions - Pain that occurs following a normally
weak or nonpainful stimulus, such as a
light touch or a cold drink - Pain that may be limited, intermittent,
or persistent but that lasts for 6 months
or longer and interferes with normal
functioning - Pain that is usually acute and transmit-
ted following normal processing of nox-
ious stimuli - Pain that is diffuse or scattered and orig-
inates in tendons, ligaments, bones,
blood vessels, and nerves - Pain for which no physical cause can be
found - Superficial pain that usually involves the
skin or subcutaneous tissue - Pain that is poorly localized and
originates in body organs, the thorax,
cranium, and abdomen - Pain that is perceived in an area distant
from its point of origin
Match the examples in Part B with the type of
pain listed in Part A. Answers may be used
more than once.
PART A
a.Cutaneous pain
b.Deep somatic pain
c.Visceral pain
d.Referred pain
CHAPTER 35 COMFORT 227
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