Nursing Care of Patients in Pain

These flashcards cover essential definitions, concepts, and classifications related to pain management in nursing care.

Pain

An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage.

Acute Pain

Pain that generally lasts less than 3 months but may last up to 6 months or longer; symptoms lessen over time.

Chronic Pain

Pain that lasts longer than the anticipated time for healing, typically longer than 6 months.

Nociceptive Pain

Pain resulting from tissue damage.

Neuropathic Pain

Pain resulting from nerve damage.

Addiction

A psychological dependence on a substance, specifically in the context of pain management, when a patient continues to take opioids despite harmful effects.

Tolerance

A condition where increased doses of a substance are required to achieve the same effect.

Physical Dependence

A physiological state resulting from the adaptation of the body to a substance, characterized by withdrawal symptoms when the substance is discontinued.

Suffering

Feelings of continuous distress often associated with chronic pain, which can lead to emotional and spiritual distress.

Placebo

An inactive substitute for analgesics, not justified in the treatment of pain except in research with informed consent.

Analgesics

Medications used to relieve pain, which can be classified into opioids, nonopioids, and adjuvants.

Nonpharmacological Pain Management Techniques

Methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation, imagery, and physical agents like heat and cold that help relieve pain without drugs.

Pain Assessment

A comprehensive evaluation including patient's self-report of pain, where it is located, how it feels, and its severity, often done using standardized rating scales.