A patient with chronic pain is being started on a patch. What ...

[kwoodring]

A patient with chronic pain is being started on a patch. What should the nurse instruct the patient about this pain-relieving delivery system?
 
  1. It will not work as well as oral pain medications.
  2. The dosage will be lower in the beginning.
  3. The patient will never experience breakthrough pain.
  4. The patient will never overdose with this delivery method.

Question 2

The nurse is helping a patient in pain by gently massaging the painful area. The nurse is utilizing which form of pain control with the patient?
 
  1. acupuncture
  2. biofeedback
  3. guided imagery
  4. cutaneous stimulation

[iman]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Dosages for the patch start low and are increased as deemed necessary by the physician. The transdermal, or patch, form of medication is increasingly being used because it is simple, painless, and delivers a continuous level of medication. The continuous dosage is an advantage over oral medications. Transdermal medications are easy to store and apply, and reapplying every 72 hours enhances compliance. Additional short-acting medication is often needed for breakthrough pain. Overdosage can occur with this route.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
It is believed that stimulation of the skin is effective in relieving pain because it prompts closure of the gate in the substantia gelatinosa. Cutaneous stimulation may be accomplished by massage, vibration, applying of heat and cold, and therapeutic touch. Touch was used, so biofeedback and guided imagery are not correct. There is no mention of the use of acupuncture needles.

[kwoodring]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[jackie]

Great answer, keep it coming