Author Question: A nurse teaches the patient about the gate control theory. Which statement made by a patient ... (Read 31 times)

hbsimmons88 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

A nurse teaches the patient about the gate control theory. Which statement made by a patient reflects a correct understanding about the relationship between the gate control theory of pain and the use of meditation to relieve pain?

a. Meditation controls pain by blocking pain impulses from coming through the gate.
b. Meditation alters the chemical composition of pain neuroregulators, which closes the gate.
c. Meditation will help me sleep through the pain because it opens the gate.
d. Meditation stops the occurrence of pain stimuli.

Question 2

A nurse is planning care for an older-adult patient who is experiencing pain. Which statement made by the nurse indicates the supervising nurse needs to follow up?

a. As adults age, their ability to perceive pain decreases.
b. Older patients may have low serum albumin in their blood, causing toxic effects of analgesic drugs.
c. Patients who have dementia probably experience pain, and their pain is not always well controlled.
d. It is safe to administer opioids to older adults as long as you start with small doses and frequently assess the patient's response to the medication.

wilsonbho · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
According to this theory, gating mechanisms located along the central nervous system regulate or block pain impulses. Pain impulses pass through when a gate is open and are blocked when a gate is closed. Nonpharmacologic pain-relief measures, such as meditation, work by closing the gates, which keeps pain impulses from coming through. Meditation does not open pain gates or stop pain from occurring. Meditation also does not have an effect on pain neuroregulators.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Aging does not affect the ability to perceive pain. This misconception must be corrected by the supervising nurse. All the other statements are true and require no follow-up. Opioids are safe to use in older adults as long as they are slowly titrated and the nurse frequently monitors the patient. Patients with dementia most likely experience unrelieved pain because their pain is difficult to assess. Older adults frequently eat poorly, resulting in low serum albumin levels. Many drugs are highly protein bound. In the presence of low serum albumin, more free drug (active form) is available, thus increasing the risk for side and/or toxic effects.