Definitions
This type of pain is poorly localized, often difficult to describe, and persists greater than 3 months.
Chronic Pain
A patient states, 'I don't want pain medication because I might become addicted.' Which response by the nurse is MOST appropriate?
"When used appropriately and monitored, pain medication can be helpful. Let's discuss your concerns and treatment options."
This type of anesthesia allows for patient to maintain airway and response to verbal and tactile stimuli even while being sedated for a procedure.
Moderate Sedation
Feeling anxious, depressed, angry, withdrawn, or fearful are all which type of response to pain?
Affective (psychological) Response to Pain
Minimal intensity of a stimulus that is perceived as painful
Pain Threshold
What are two important nursing responsibilities when taking care of a patient with a PCA pump?
•Monitor pump and amount administered
•Programing with second RN
•Monitor vital signs and insertion site for leakage/bleeding/any complications
•Respiratory assessment (continuous pulse ox)
•Patient education
•Falls risk
This form is a written document that protects the patient's rights by confirming that they understand the purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives of a medical treatment or research study before agreeing to participate in surgery.
Informed Consent
List out the meanings of OLDCARTS for assessing pain?
Onset, Location, Duration, Characteristics, Associated and Aggravating Manifestations, Relieving Factors, Treatment, Severity
This type of pain is associated with damage to peripheral or central somatosensory nervous system
Neuropathic
List 3 common indications for Epidural pain medication delivery
•Immediate postoperative pain
•Chronic pain
•Children with terminal cancer or undergoing certain surgeries
•Labor and Delivery
This form provides instructions for treatment if the patient is unable to communicate wishes postoperatively.
Advanced Directives
Moving away from painful stimuli, grimacing, crying, moaning, restlessness, and guarding are all examples of what type of response to pain?
Behavior Response to Pain
When the body becomes accustomed to the dosage and a larger dose is needed
Tolerance
Name 5 types of nonpharmacologic treatment options for pain.
Massage, Heat/Ice, TENS, Acupuncture, Guided Imagery, Relaxation Techniques, Humor, Music, Therapeutic Touch, Distraction
The nurse assesses her client after surgeries and notes hypotension, tachycardia, clammy skin, and apprehension. What does the nurse suspect?
Hemorrhage
A patient receiving IV opioid medication becomes difficult to arouse and has a respiratory rate of 7 breaths/min. What is the nurse's PRIORITY actions? List 3.
Hold the opioid, stimulate the patient, assess airway and breathing, and initiate emergency assistance as indicated.
Any act that results in a drug not reaching the person who was originally prescribed the controlled drug
Diversion
List 3 benefits to use of a PCA pump in a patient needing pain management
1) Consistent levels of medication
2) Faster absorption
3) Patient control
Name three nursing interventions that help prevent respiratory or cardiac complications postoperatively.
•Deep breathing and use of Incentive Spirometer
•Coughing to remove mucous and teach splinting
•Leg exercise to prevent DVT
•Turning every hour
•Encourage Early Ambulation
This is an observational pain assessment tool used for infants, young children (typically ages 2 months to 7 years), or nonverbal patients who cannot report their own pain. Name the scale and what it assesses.
FLACC scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability)