Types of Pain
This type of pain is temporary, localized, and resolves with healing.
What is acute pain?
This is the most commonly used numeric self-reporting pain scale.
What is the 0-10 numeric pain scale?
This common nursing intervention helps reduce pain perception by focusing the patient’s attention elsewhere.
What is distraction?
This type of pain is caused by damaged or abnormal nerves and is often described as burning or shooting pain.
What is neuropathic pain?
This class of pain medications includes ibuprofen and naproxen and works by reducing inflammation.
What are NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)?
This therapy involves using positive thinking and visualization techniques to reduce pain perception.
What is guided imagery?
This pain persists for more than 3-6 months and has no biological purpose.
What is chronic pain?
This pain scale is commonly used for children or non-verbal patients, using illustrated facial expressions.
What is the Wong-Baker Faces Scale?
This non-invasive pain relief method uses electrical impulses to stimulate nerves and block pain signals.
What is TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)?
This chronic neuropathic pain condition occurs after limb amputation and may involve itching or burning sensations.
What is phantom limb pain?
Opioid analgesics work by binding to these receptors in the brain and spinal cord.
What are opioid receptors (mu, kappa, delta receptors)?
This therapy involves applying gentle pressure to manipulate muscles and relieve pain.
What is massage therapy?
Neuropathic pain can result from damage or abnormal function of these.
What are nerves?
Objective signs of acute pain may include an increase in these three vital signs.
What are heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure?
Heat therapy is commonly used to relieve this type of musculoskeletal pain.
What is somatic pain (muscle or joint pain)?
This diabetes-related condition results from poor nerve impulses and reduced oxygen to peripheral circulation.
What is diabetic neuropathy?
This common side effect of opioids requires stool softeners or increased fiber intake.
What is constipation?
Essential oils and herbal remedies fall under this category of pain management.
What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?
This type of pain occurs in internal organs and is often described as cramping, tight, or pressure-like.
What is visceral pain?
This pain assessment tool is specifically used for patients with advanced dementia.
What is PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia)?
This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points of the body to relieve pain.
What is acupuncture? (not heroin)
This type of nociceptive pain originates from the skin, muscles, joints, or bones.
What is somatic pain?
This drug classification is often used for neuropathic pain and includes gabapentin and pregabalin.
What are anticonvulsants?
This deep relaxation technique, often combined with meditation, is used to help control pain perception.
What is hypnosis?
Pain perceived in an area other than its origin, such as heart pain felt in the left arm.
What is referred pain?
This critical care pain assessment tool is used for non-verbal ICU patients.
What is CPOT (Critical Care Pain Observation Tool)?
Applying cold therapy (ice packs) helps reduce this physiological response that contributes to pain.
What is inflammation and swelling?
This nociceptive pain category includes internal organ pain, such as pain in the intestines or bladder.
What is visceral pain?
This opioid antagonist is used in cases of opioid overdose to reverse respiratory depression.
What is naloxone (Narcan)?
This type of therapy uses energy fields to promote healing and reduce pain, including Reiki and therapeutic touch.
What is energy therapy?