Deck 8: Pain Assessment: the Fifth Vital Sign

Question 1

Define pain.

Answer 1

The classic definitions of pain are provided in the Subjective Data portion of the chapter. Essentially, pain is "whatever the experiencing person says it is, existing whenever he says it does (McCaffery, 1968, p. 95). The subjective report is the most reliable indicator of pain. A series of questions assists the examiner in assessing the subjective report of pain.

Question 2

Discuss the function of nociception and the patient's sensation of pain.

Answer 2

Nociception is the term used to describe how noxious stimuli are typically perceived as pain. Four phases of nociception are described: transduction, transmission, perception, and modulation.

Question 3

Differentiate the different types of pain.

Answer 3

Pain can be classified as to the source of the pain. The text gives examples of visceral pain, deep somatic pain, cutaneous pain, and referred pain. Neuropathic pain indicates a type of pain that does not follow the typical and predictable phases of nociceptive pain. Neuropathic pain implies an abnormal processing of the pain message.

Question 4

Compare acute and chronic pain.

Question 5

Describe developmental care as well as cross-cultural and gender considerations regarding pain.

Question 6

Describe the initial pain assessment.

Question 7

Compare available pain assessment tools.

Question 8

Compare acute and chronic pain behaviors (nonverbal behaviors of pain).

Question 9

Describe the physical changes that may occur because of poorly controlled pain.