A patient recovering from a broken leg asks why the pain is so ...

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A patient recovering from a broken leg asks why the pain is so sharp. What should the nurse explain about acute pain?
 
  Select all that apply.
 
  1. The pain signal releases catecholamines.
  2. The pain signal reduces blood flow to the gut.
  3. The pain signal travels along nerve fibers to the spinal cord.
  4. The pain signal travels up to the brain portion called the thalamus.
  5. The pain signal spreads throughout the cortex, limbic system, and brainstem

Question 2

A nurse is teaching pain management to a homebound hospice patient, already being treated with opioids. This patient has been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and expresses anxiety about keeping her pain under control.
 
  In which nonpharmacologic complementary methods might the nurse instruct the patient?
 
  Select all that apply.
  1. guided imagery
  2. progressive muscle relaxation
  3. distraction
  4. acupuncture
  5. regional pain management

[EAN94]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3, 4, 5
With sharp local pain, nociceptors transmit pain stimuli along myelinated fibers to the spinal cord, where it travels via the neospinothalamic tract to the thalamus. From the thalamus, the stimulus is distributed to the somatosensory cortex (perception and interpretation), the limbic system (emotional responses to pain), and brainstem centers (autonomic nervous system responses). The release of catecholamines explains the cardiovascular response to pain. The reduction of blood flow to the gut explains why nausea and vomiting occur with pain.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3
Guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, and distraction can be taught by the nurse. Acupuncture can only be provided by persons with special training. Regional pain management is not an alternative complementary therapy.

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