The patient has intractable pain, and the physician has proposed a nerve block. The nurse plans to teach the patient about nerve blocks. Which statement would be included in the best plan of the nurse?
1. A nerve block depresses the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.
2. A nerve block enhances the effect of most of the endogenous opioids.
3. A nerve block modifies sensory information being sent to the spinal cord.
4. A nerve block stops pain transmission along the nerve to stop the pain.
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Nerve blocks are accomplished by injection of alcohol or another neurotoxic substance into neurons. This blocks nerve transmission and has the potential to provide total pain relief. A nerve block does not enhance the effect of endogenous opioids. A nerve block does not modify sensory information sent to the spinal cord. A nerve block does not depress the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.
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