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Pain Management Flashcards

Pain management concepts, assessment, treatment, and caregiver responsibilities. (43 cards)

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1
Q

Define:

Pain

A

An unpleasant sensation that signals actual or potential damage to the body.

Pain is an unpleasant sensation that signals actual or potential damage to the body. Pain can be acute or chronic and varies in intensity.

CNA Insight: Pain is always what the resident says it is. You must never dismiss their pain; your job is to believe them and report it to the nurse.

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2
Q

How does acute pain differ from chronic pain?

A
  • Acute pain: Short-term and linked to injury or surgery
  • Chronic pain: Lasts longer and may not have a clear cause

Acute pain occurs suddenly and lasts a short time, while chronic pain persists for more than six months.

Chronic pain can be constant or intermittent.

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3
Q

True or False:

Older adults are less likely to experience chronic pain than younger adults.

A

False

CNA Insight: Older adults are more likely to experience chronic pain. They may not complain because they think it is a normal part of aging. You must watch for nonverbal signs of pain.

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4
Q

List THREE common conditions associated with chronic pain.

A
  1. Arthritis
  2. Osteoporosis
  3. Cancer

Other conditions include amputation and peripheral neuropathy.

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5
Q

Fill in the blank:

______ _____ ______ pain is caused by blocked blood flow to the legs, leading to skin ulcers and tissue death.

A

Peripheral artery disease

(PAD)

PAD results in pain, slow wound healing, and possible gangrene.

CNA Insight: This pain is often worse when walking. You must report any cold, pale, or discolored skin on the legs and feet immediately.

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6
Q

Define:

Pain Threshold

A

The point at which a person first perceives pain.

Example: A person with a low pain threshold may find an injection very painful, while someone with a high pain threshold may not feel much pain.

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7
Q

Define:

Pain Tolerance

A

The maximum pain a person can endure before seeking treatment.

Pain tolerance varies among individuals.

Example: A person with low pain tolerance seeks medical attention quickly, while someone with high pain tolerance may wait months or years.

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8
Q

Define:

Phantom Pain

A

Pain that feels like it is coming from a limb that has been amputated.

The brain still perceives signals from the missing limb.

CNA Insight: This pain is real, even though the limb is gone. You must never dismiss their pain; report it to the nurse so they can receive appropriate pain medication.

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9
Q

List TWO factors that affect how a person experiences pain.

A
  1. Culture
  2. Emotional state

In some cultures, enduring pain without complaint may be encouraged.

Anxiety, worry, or emotional upset can make it difficult for a person to handle pain.

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10
Q

How can past pain experiences affect how a person reacts to pain?

A

Someone with frequent pain may tolerate it better or, conversely, be more sensitive.

The person may be so worn down by past experiences with pain that each new episode of pain becomes more difficult for the person to handle.

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11
Q

What roles does a nurse assistant play in pain management?

A
  1. Recognizing pain
  2. Reporting pain
  3. Promoting comfort measures

You are the eyes and ears. You do not give medicine, but your observations are vital for the nurse to decide what medicine to give.

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12
Q

Why is managing pain important for overall health?

A

It improves:

  • Mobility
  • Emotional well-being
  • Quality of life

A person who is in pain may have reduced mobility and may not be able to participate in self-care activities.

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13
Q

List THREE consequences of untreated pain.

A
  1. Sleep disturbances
  2. Emotional distress
  3. Decreased mobility

Pain affects both physical and emotional well-being.

A decreased ability to do things independently and to engage in enjoyable activities can lead to depression and loneliness.

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14
Q

Fill in the blank:

A person with a ______ pain response may endure pain without expressing discomfort.

A

stoic

A person with a stoic pain response may endure pain without expressing discomfort. This is why you must watch for nonverbal cues like grimacing, moaning, or rocking.

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15
Q

Define:

Pain Assessment

A

The process of evaluating a patient’s pain level, location, and impact.

CNAs should observe and report pain indicators to nurses.

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16
Q

What are TWO common tools used to assess pain?

A
  1. The numeric pain scale
  2. Wong-Baker Faces scale

Tools are the numeric pain scale and the Wong-Baker Faces scale.

CNA Insight: Pain scales help the resident describe how bad their pain is. The numeric scale (0 to 10) is for residents who can talk. The Wong-Baker Faces scale uses pictures of faces (from happy to crying) and is great for residents who have trouble communicating or who have dementia. Always use the scale the nurse has ordered.

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17
Q

How should a CNA report a patient’s pain?

A

Include:

  1. Location
  2. Type
  3. Intensity
  4. Frequency

A thorough report helps nurses determine treatment options.

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18
Q

List words that are used to describe pain.

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A
  1. Dull
  2. Sharp, piercing, stabbing or shooting
  3. Achy or sore
  4. Nagging
  5. Throbbing, pulsating or pounding
  6. Burning, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation

Others:

  • Gnawing
  • Spasm
  • Crampy
  • Squeezing, crushing or feeling of pressure
  • Radiating or spreading

19
Q

Why might a patient hesitate to report pain?

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A
  • Fear of addiction
  • Not wanting to be a burden
  • Cultural reasons

Some patients believe pain is a normal part of aging.

20
Q

Which nonverbal cues indicate pain?

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A
  • Facial expressions such as frowning or looking worried
  • Body movements such as rocking and pacing
  • Sounds such as moaning, whimpering, or crying

Some patients may not verbalize pain but show it through behavior.

Other cues include aggressiveness, resisting care, rubbing or guarding the affected part, and reduced appetite.

21
Q

What is the difference between dependence and addiction to pain medication?

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A
  • Dependence: A physical reliance on medication
  • Addiction: Compulsive drug-seeking behavior

Dependence occurs with long-term medication use and improves daily function while addiction drives compulsive drug-seeking, reducing the ability to function.

22
Q

Fill in the blank:

______ medications work by blocking pain signals in the nervous system.

Study These Flashcards
A

Opioid

Opioids are used for severe pain but require careful monitoring.

They can cause dependence, but are not necessarily addictive when used correctly.

23
Q

What should a CNA do if a patient refuses pain medication?

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A

Report it to the nurse and document the refusal.

Patients have the right to refuse treatment.

24
Q

True or False:

Pain should only be treated with medication.

Study These Flashcards
A

False

Pain management includes both medication and non-medication interventions. Pain can also be treated with comfort measures like a gentle massage, a warm compress, or a change in position.

25
# Define: Heat Therapy
The application of warmth to **relieve pain** and **promote circulation**. ## Footnote Heat therapy should be applied with caution to avoid burns.
26
What is the **maximum** recommended temperature for heat applications?
105°F | (40.5°C) ## Footnote Excessive heat can cause burns and skin damage.
27
List THREE types of **heat therapy**.
1. Warm compress 2. Aquathermia pad 3. Warm soak ## Footnote Heat therapy relaxes muscles and increases blood flow. **CNA Insight**: You must always place a cloth or towel between the heat source and the resident's skin.
28
# Fill in the blanks: A \_\_\_\_\_ or \_\_\_\_\_ **should never** be applied directly to the skin.
heating pad, ice pack ## Footnote Always wrap heating or cooling devices in a cloth.
29
What is a **warm soak** used for?
To relieve **joint stiffness** and promote **relaxation**. ## Footnote Warm soaks improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.
30
Why should a CNA **be cautious** when applying an aquathermia pad?
It can cause **burns** if misused. ## Footnote Always follow facility guidelines for safe application.
31
# True or False: **Cold therapy** reduces inflammation and numbs pain.
True ## Footnote Cold constricts blood vessels and decreases inflammation. A cold compress is useful for reducing swelling and numbing pain.
32
What is **distraction** as a pain management technique?
Redirecting a patient’s attention **away from pain**. ## Footnote Music, conversation, or activities can serve as distractions.
33
How can **proper positioning** help relieve pain?
* It reduces pressure on affected areas * It improves circulation ## Footnote Supportive pillows and frequent repositioning help maintain comfort.
34
Why is **rest important** in pain management?
Sleep **restores energy** and helps the body heal. ## Footnote Poor sleep can worsen pain perception.
35
List FOUR strategies for **promoting rest and sleep**.
1. Maintain familiar and comforting bedtime routines 2. Limit daytime naps 3. Keep linens clean, wrinkle-free, and maintain a comfortable temperature 4. Allow the patient to use the bathroom before bed ## Footnote Overall, be observant for signs or complaints of pain, and report these to the nurse promptly.
36
List TWO factors that can **interfere with sleep**.
1. Pain 2. Anxiety ## Footnote Uncontrolled pain can lead to sleep disturbances.
37
# Fill in the blank: A CNA **should observe** for signs of \_\_\_\_\_ damage when applying heat or cold therapy.
skin ## Footnote Burns or frostbite can occur if treatments are applied incorrectly.
38
How does **massage** help relieve pain?
It promotes **relaxation** and reduces **muscle tension**. ## Footnote Massaging painful areas can improve blood flow and comfort.
39
# Define: Chronic Pain Syndrome
A condition where **pain persists** even after the initial injury heals. ## Footnote Chronic pain often requires a combination of treatments.
40
What are signs of **medication side effects** to report?
* Dizziness * Nausea * Confusion ## Footnote Some pain medications cause unwanted side effects.
41
List TWO **relaxation techniques** that help with pain.
1. Deep breathing 2. Meditation ## Footnote They reduce stress and muscle tension. Relaxation helps control pain perception.
42
List TWO benefits of **physical activity** in pain management.
1. Improves circulation 2. Strengthens muscles ## Footnote Regular movement can reduce chronic pain symptoms.
43
# True or False: CNAs can adjust a patient’s pain medication dose.
False ## Footnote CNAs do not give or adjust medications.
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