The nurse caring for a client in pain administers an analgesic and provides a back massage while waiting for the effects of the medication. The purpose of the back massage is to:
1. Stimulate larger nerves and impede the passage of pain stimuli in the smaller nerves.
2. Reduce muscle tension that is increasing pain perception.
3. Stimulate blood flow, which reduces pain perception.
4. Stimulate production of endorphins to reduce pain perception.
1
Rationale: According to the gate control theory, massage stimulates the larger nerves that go through the spinal "gate," which prevents the smaller pain nerves from getting their message through, as only so many impulses can go through the area at any one time. Massage will relax the client, stimulate blood flow, and increase endorphins, but will not reduce pain as a result of these particular factors.
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