A patient with a history of chronic pain tells the nurse, "I do a variety of things to make my body produce its own pain reliever." What should the nurse realize this patient is describing?
1. a theory of denial
2. a belief in alternative methods
3. a reason to reduce the amount of pain medication prescribed
4. the body's ability to make endorphins
Correct Answer: 4
There is a pain inhibitory center within the dorsal horns of the spinal cord. The exact nature of this inhibitory mechanism is unknown. However, the most clearly defined chemical inhibitory mechanism is fueled by endorphins (endogenous morphines), which are naturally occurring opioid peptides that are present in neurons in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. Endorphins work by binding with opiate receptors on the neurons to inhibit pain impulse transmission. The patient is not denying the pain. Alternative methods have not been employed. There was no discussion of pain medication amounts.
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