Author Question: Which statement is true about the gate control theory of pain? a. Small-diameter peripheral ... (Read 56 times)

HCHenry · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

Which statement is true about the gate control theory of pain?

a. Small-diameter peripheral nerves transmit noxious stimuli to the CNS, and large-diameter peripheral nerves carry non-pain information and can inhibit nociceptor transmission in the spinal cord.
b. Sensations of all types are carried on the same size peripheral nerves. Stimulating nerve fibers with other sensations will block pain.
c. Pain stimuli are carried by large-diameter peripheral nerves. The gates on these nerves can be closed by administering analgesics.
d. Both small- and large-diameter peripheral nerves carry pain impulses. Blocking small fibers with other stimuli will reduce the speed of pain impulse transmission.

Question 2

A client with a history of repeated suicide attempts tells the nurse that he will accept a no-suicide contract. Which of the following does this behavior indicate to the nurse?

1. The client will not attempt to commit suicide again.
2. The client is tired of failing at suicide attempts.
3. The client and nurse have a strong therapeutic relationship.
4. The client is attempting to avoid detection of other suicide attempts.

ngr69 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
The gate control theory is based on the premise that pain impulses travel through either small-diameter or large-diameter nerve cells, both of which pass through the same gate. The large-diameter cells have the ability to close the gate and block transmission of the pain impulse to the brain. Stimulants such as massage, opioids, and excessive stimulation all activate the large-diameter cells to close the gate.

Answer to Question 2

4. The client is attempting to avoid detection of other suicide attempts.

Rationale:
People who are determined to kill themselves may agree to a contract to avoid detection of their suicidal intent. The client has a history of repeated suicide attempts. The willingness to accept a no-suicide contract could indicate that the client does not want the nurse to be aware of future suicide plans and will accept the contract just to avoid detection. Since the client has attempted suicide in the past, there is a strong likelihood that the client will attempt suicide in the future. There is no way of knowing if the client is tired of failing at suicide attempts or if the nurse and client have a strong therapeutic relationship.