Pain Management and Assessment in Nursing

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts and terms related to pain management and nursing care.

Definition of Pain

Whatever the client says it is; an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.

Nociceptor

A sensory receptor neuron that responds to harmful stimuli, initiating the sensation of pain.

Visceral Pain

Pain in internal organs, deep, dull, difficult to pinpoint; associated with autonomic responses.

Deep Somatic Pain

Chronic pain in deep tissues such as muscles, joints, and bones.

Superficial Pain

Pain originating in skin or mucous membranes; sharp, localized, short-lived.

Neuropathic Pain

Pain caused by damage to the nervous system; can be burning or stabbing.

Phantom Pain

Pain that is felt in a body part that has been removed.

Acute Pain

Pain with limited duration typically associated with a specific cause.

Chronic Pain

Ongoing or persistent pain lasting more than 6 months, often without a clear cause.

Pain Assessment

Using tools like Likert scales and mnemonics to evaluate and document pain.

PQRSTU Mnemonic

Pain assessment tool: Provocation, Quality, Region, Severity, Timing, Understanding.

COLDSPA Mnemonic

Pain assessment tool: Character, Onset, Location, Duration, Severity, Pattern, Associated factors.

OLDCARTES Mnemonic

Pain assessment tool: Onset, Location, Duration, Characteristics, Aggravating factors, Radiating, Treatment, Effect, Severity.

Substance Use Disorder

A neurobiological illness characterized by the compulsive use of substances despite harmful consequences.

Tolerance

A condition where a diminished effect is seen with the continued use of a substance.

Opioid Intoxication

Behavioral or psychological changes stemming from opioid use, including drowsiness and impaired judgment.

Naloxone

A medication used to rapidly reverse opioid overdose.

Acute Pain Symptoms

Increased pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and diaphoresis.

Chronic Pain Symptoms

Muscle tension, limited mobility, emotional effects like depression and anxiety.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical or psychological symptoms that occur when an opioid is reduced or stopped.

Nursing Diagnosis for Pain

Identifying acute pain related to physical injury as evidenced by physiological changes and self-reported pain.

Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA)

A method of pain management where the patient controls their own pain medication delivery.

Epidural Anesthesia

Placing anesthetics into the epidural space for pain relief.

Adjuvant Medications

Medications used alongside opioids to enhance pain relief, such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants.

Nonpharmacologic Interventions

Techniques to manage pain without medications, such as distraction and relaxation.

FLACC Scale

Behavioral pain assessment tool for children, evaluating facial expression, leg movement, activity, crying, and consolability.

Wong-Baker FACES Scale

Visual pain scale using faces to help patients express their level of pain.

Psychological Factors in Pain

Factors including mood, cognitive function, and stress that can influence the pain experience.

Cultural Considerations in Pain Management

Cultural attitudes that might affect how individuals report and manage their pain.

Phantom Pain Management

Addressing pain felt in areas where a limb has been amputated.

Overdose Symptoms

Signs indicating opioid overdose, such as unconsciousness, slow breathing, and pinpoint pupils.

Signs of Opioid Overdose

Unresponsiveness, shallow breathing, choking sounds, cyanosis.

Emergency Response to Overdose

Administer naloxone and call 911 if a patient shows signs of opioid overdose.

Joint Commission Standards

Established pain assessment and management standards in healthcare.

Comfort-Function Goals

Client-based pain management goals focusing on achieving a tolerable pain level.

Pain Neurotransmitter

Substance P, involved in the transmission of pain signals.

Biological Factors Affecting Pain

Nociception, genetic sensitivity, and medical diagnoses that influence an individual’s pain experience.

Psychosocial Factors

Coping mechanisms, stress, and social support that can alter pain perception.

Acute vs Chronic Pain

Acute pain is short-term, often linked to injury; chronic pain persists for months, potentially without clear cause.

Signs of Substance Use Disorder

Cravings, failed attempts to stop using, neglecting responsibilities due to opioid use.

Pain Management Strategies

Collaborative approaches using medications and non-drug interventions.

Comfort level assessment

Engaging the patient to discuss their pain tolerability and management goals.

Behavioral Pain Indicators

Nonverbal signals like grimacing or guarding that indicate pain.

Physiological Pain Response

Body's natural responses to pain, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Monitoring After Naloxone

Ensure patient is monitored for at least four hours post naloxone administration for recurrence of symptoms.

Educational Needs for Patients

Informing clients about pain management strategies and expectations.

Dosing Errors

Mistakes in administering medications, particularly in specialized pain management devices.

Collaboration in Pain Management

The importance of multiple healthcare disciplines working together to provide pain relief.

Nursing Process in Pain Management

Systematic approach involving assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Patient Monitoring post-Surgery

Close observation of vital signs and pain levels after surgical interventions.

Effective Pain Documentation

Accurate and thorough recording of pain levels, interventions, and patient responses.

Emergency Care Protocols

Procedures such as rescue breathing and clearing the airway during a respiratory crisis.

Pain Impact on Daily Life

How pain affects patients' ability to participate in their routine activities and responsibilities.

Age Considerations in Pain Assessment

How pain perception and reporting can differ across different age groups.

Understanding Phantom Pain

Recognizing pain sensations in amputated limbs as a complex pain experience.

Pain Catastrophizing

Exaggerating the expected pain experience, which can intensify the pain perception.

Client-Centric Pain Assessment

Tailoring pain evaluations to individual needs and responses.

Continuous Evaluation of Pain Treatment

Regular reassessment of pain management effectiveness and adjustments as necessary.

Multidisciplinary Pain Management

Involving various healthcare professionals to address pain from different perspectives.

Types of Nociceptors

Thermal, mechanical, and chemical nociceptors, each responding to different types of stimuli.

Phantom Limb Syndrome

The phenomenon of feeling sensations, including pain, in a limb that has been amputated.

Clinical Indicators for Pain Management

Measurable signs used to evaluate pain levels during treatment.

Recovery from Opioid Overdose

The critical process following the administration of naloxone to ensure patient safety.

Patient-Controlled Pain Relief

Empowering patients to manage their own pain medication delivery through PCA.

Monitoring for Opioid Side Effects

Observing patients for adverse reactions to opioid medications including constipation and sedation.

Long-Term Opioid Therapy

Considerations and protocols for patients requiring extended use of opioid pain management.

Developmental Stages and Pain Expression

How age and cognitive abilities affect pain expression and understanding.

Nonverbal Pain Indicators

Facial expressions and body language that communicate pain in patients unable to verbalize.

Pain Reduction Strategies

Methods such as relaxation techniques and mental distraction to lessen pain perception.

Risks Associated with Opioid Use

Potential dangers including addiction, overdose, and tolerance in patients requiring opioids.

Pain as the 5th Vital Sign

The recognition of pain intensity as an important assessment metric in healthcare.

Collaborative Healthcare Approach

The need for teamwork among healthcare providers to optimize pain management.

Pain Education for Families

Involvement of family members in understanding and managing patient's pain successfully.