A patient recovering from a broken leg asks why the pain is so sharp. What should the nurse explain about acute pain?
Select all that apply.
1. The pain signal releases catecholamines.
2. The pain signal reduces blood flow to the gut.
3. The pain signal travels along nerve fibers to the spinal cord.
4. The pain signal travels up to the brain portion called the thalamus.
5. The pain signal spreads throughout the cortex, limbic system, and brainstem
Correct Answer: 3, 4, 5
With sharp local pain, nociceptors transmit pain stimuli along myelinated fibers to the spinal cord, where it travels via the neospinothalamic tract to the thalamus. From the thalamus, the stimulus is distributed to the somatosensory cortex (perception and interpretation), the limbic system (emotional responses to pain), and brainstem centers (autonomic nervous system responses). The release of catecholamines explains the cardiovascular response to pain. The reduction of blood flow to the gut explains why nausea and vomiting occur with pain.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is caring for a patient who just had knee replacement surgery. Which factors will affect how the patient experiences pain after this surgery? (Select all that apply.)
a. The patient has had rheumatoid arthritis for the last 16 years. b. The patient is allergic to aspirin and strawberries. c. The patient owns a business and is self-insured. d. The patient has been a vegetarian for the last 8 years. e. The patient had her other knee replaced 2 years ago. f. The patient was a marathon runner in high school and college.
Larry was brought to the hospital by two police officers. He was combative and verbally abusive. After waiting for over an hour, Larry tells the nurse he is leaving. The nurse removes Larry's clothes from the room, leaving him only in his underwear
The nurse may be charged with: A) Cruel and unusual punishment B) Slander and libel C) False imprisonment D) Assault and battery
The nurse is caring for a patient with schizotypal personality disorder. The nurse anticipates providing patient education regarding which type of medication?
1. Typical antipsychotic 2. Atypical antipsychotic 3. Tricyclic antidepressant 4. Mood stabilizer
The nurse discusses and demonstrates proper hand hygiene to an immunocompromised patient and his wife. The nurse determines additional teaching is necessary when the patient states:
a. "It is okay for my wife to wear artificial nails as long as she performs good hand-washing." b. "I should wash my hands before I eat." c. "Hand gels work as well as handwashing under most circumstances." d. "I should use friction and wash my hands for about 20 seconds if I am using soap and water."