NSG 300 TOPIC 9: PAIN MANAGEMENT AND SENSORY FUNCTION
OVERVIEW
transduction
conversion of one form of energy into another. In sensation, the transforming of
stimulus energies, such as sights, sounds, and smells, into neural impulses our
brains can interpret.
transmission
Sending of impulse across a sensory pain nerve fiber (nociceptor)
nerve impulses
Excitatory neurotransmitters send electrical impulses across the synaptic cleft
between two nerve fibers, enhancing transmission of the pain impulse.
pain impulses
These pain-sensitizing substances surround the pain fibers in the extracellular fluid,
spreading the pain message and causing an inflammatory response.
A fibers
fast, myelinated
-Send sharp, localized, and distinct sensations that specify the source of the pain
and detect its intensity
C fibers
the very small, slow, unmyelinated
-Relay impulses that are poorly localized, visceral, and persistent
perception
the point at which a person is aware of pain
modulation
Inhibits pain impulse
-Once the brain perceives pain, there is a release of inhibitory neurotransmitters
such as endorphins (endogenous opioids), serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-
, aminobutyric acid (GABA), which hinder the transmission of pain and help
produce an analgesic effect.
gate-control theory
the theory that the spinal cord contains a neurological "gate" that blocks pain
signals or allows them to pass on to the brain. The "gate" is opened by the activity
of pain signals traveling up small nerve fibers and is closed by activity in larger
fibers or by information coming from the brain.
pain threshold
the point at which a person feels pain
the stress respond of pain stimulates the...
autonomic nervous system
Continuous, severe, or deep pain typically involving the visceral organs
activates the
parasympathetic nervous system
what are common behavior al responses of acute pain?
Clenching the teeth, facial grimacing, holding or guarding the painful part, and
bent posture
chronic pain can affect a patients...
-activity (eating, sleeping, socialization)
-thinking (confusion, forgetfulness)
-emotions (anger, depression, irritability)
-quality of life and productivity.
pain tolerance
level of pain a person is willing to accept
Acute/transient pain
Protective, identifiable, short duration; limited emotional response
what is a primary nursing goal for individuals with acute/transient pain?
OVERVIEW
transduction
conversion of one form of energy into another. In sensation, the transforming of
stimulus energies, such as sights, sounds, and smells, into neural impulses our
brains can interpret.
transmission
Sending of impulse across a sensory pain nerve fiber (nociceptor)
nerve impulses
Excitatory neurotransmitters send electrical impulses across the synaptic cleft
between two nerve fibers, enhancing transmission of the pain impulse.
pain impulses
These pain-sensitizing substances surround the pain fibers in the extracellular fluid,
spreading the pain message and causing an inflammatory response.
A fibers
fast, myelinated
-Send sharp, localized, and distinct sensations that specify the source of the pain
and detect its intensity
C fibers
the very small, slow, unmyelinated
-Relay impulses that are poorly localized, visceral, and persistent
perception
the point at which a person is aware of pain
modulation
Inhibits pain impulse
-Once the brain perceives pain, there is a release of inhibitory neurotransmitters
such as endorphins (endogenous opioids), serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-
, aminobutyric acid (GABA), which hinder the transmission of pain and help
produce an analgesic effect.
gate-control theory
the theory that the spinal cord contains a neurological "gate" that blocks pain
signals or allows them to pass on to the brain. The "gate" is opened by the activity
of pain signals traveling up small nerve fibers and is closed by activity in larger
fibers or by information coming from the brain.
pain threshold
the point at which a person feels pain
the stress respond of pain stimulates the...
autonomic nervous system
Continuous, severe, or deep pain typically involving the visceral organs
activates the
parasympathetic nervous system
what are common behavior al responses of acute pain?
Clenching the teeth, facial grimacing, holding or guarding the painful part, and
bent posture
chronic pain can affect a patients...
-activity (eating, sleeping, socialization)
-thinking (confusion, forgetfulness)
-emotions (anger, depression, irritability)
-quality of life and productivity.
pain tolerance
level of pain a person is willing to accept
Acute/transient pain
Protective, identifiable, short duration; limited emotional response
what is a primary nursing goal for individuals with acute/transient pain?
