The nurse plans to include nonpharmacologic pain management strategies when caring for patients experiencing pain. Which of the following rationales best explains why massage is helpful for pain relief?
1. Skin stimulation inhibits transmission of impulses from the spinal cord to the brain.
2. Vasoconstriction due to heat application prevents prostaglandin release.
3. Friction from massage causes heat in the area, which distracts the patient from the pain.
4. Massage will mask the symptoms of pain during the massage and for several hours after.
Skin stimulation inhibits transmission of impulses from the spinal cord to the brain.
Rationale: According to the gate control theory of pain, stimulation of nerves that do not transmit pain signals can interfere with signals from pain fibers, thereby inhibiting pain. Massage stimulates the nonpain fibers and "closes the gate" to perception of painful sensations. Heat application is not discussed in this scenario. Masking the symptoms of pain is vague and not specific to the scientific rationale of the gate control theory of pain.
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