NSG 300 TOPIC 9 Study Questions and
Correct Answers
Transduction ✅conversion of one form of energy into another. In sensation, the
transforming of stimulus energies, such as sights, sounds, and smells, into neural
impulses our brains can interpret.
Transmission ✅sending of impulse across a sensory pain nerve fiber (nociceptor)
Nerve impulses ✅excitatory neurotransmitters send electrical impulses across the
synaptic cleft between two nerve fibers, enhancing transmission of the pain impulse.
Pain impulses ✅these pain-sensitizing substances surround the pain fibers in the
extracellular fluid, spreading the pain message and causing an inflammatory response.
A fibers ✅fast, myelinated
-send sharp, localized, and distinct sensations that specify the source of the pain and
detect its intensity
C fibers ✅the very small, slow, unmyelinated
-relay impulses that are poorly localized, visceral, and persistent
Perception ✅the point at which a person is aware of pain
Modulation ✅inhibits pain impulse
-once the brain perceives pain, there is a release of inhibitory neurotransmitters such as
endorphins (endogenous opioids), serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric
acid (gaba), which hinder the transmission of pain and help produce an analgesic effect.
Gate-control theory ✅the theory that the spinal cord contains a neurological "gate" that
blocks pain signals or allows them to pass on to the brain. The "gate" is opened by the
activity of pain signals traveling up small nerve fibers and is closed by activity in larger
fibers or by information coming from the brain.
Pain threshold ✅the point at which a person feels pain
The stress respond of pain stimulates the... ✅autonomic nervous system
Continuous, severe, or deep pain typically involving the visceral organs activates the
✅parasympathetic nervous system
, What are common behavior al responses of acute pain? ✅clenching the teeth, facial
grimacing, holding or guarding the painful part, and bent posture
Chronic pain can affect a patients... ✅-activity (eating, sleeping, socialization)
-thinking (confusion, forgetfulness)
-emotions (anger, depression, irritability)
-quality of life and productivity.
Pain tolerance ✅level of pain a person is willing to accept
Acute/transient pain ✅protective, identifiable, short duration; limited emotional
response
What is a primary nursing goal for individuals with acute/transient pain? ✅to provide
pain relief that allows patients to participate in their recovery, prevent complications, and
improve functional status
Chronic/persistent noncancer pain ✅is not protective, has no purpose, may or may not
have an identifiable cause
What are some things that are considered chronic noncancerous pain? ✅arthritis,
headache, low back pain, or peripheral neuropathy
Chronic episodic pain ✅occurs sporadically over an extended duration
Cancer pain ✅is normal (nociceptive), resulting from stimulus of an undamaged nerve
and/or neuropathic, arising from abnormal or damaged pain nerves. Can be acute or
chronic.
Referred pain ✅pain that is felt in a location other than where the pain originates
Idiopathic pain ✅chronic pain without identifiable physical or psychological cause
Factors influencing pain ✅-physiological (age, fatigue, genes, neurological functions)
-social factors
-spiritual factors
-psychological factors (anxiety/coping style)
-cultural factors
How does fatigue affect pain ✅fatigue increases the perception of pain and can cause
problems with sleep and rest
How does anxiety affect pain ✅anxiety often increases the perception of pain, and pain
causes feelings of anxiety. It is difficult to separate the two sensations.
