Question 1

According to the Gate Control Theory of Pain, which of the following best explains how emotional states can influence the perception of pain?

Accepted Answer

Emotional states can open or close the gating mechanism in the spinal cord, altering the number of pain impulses that reach the brain.

Question 2

A patient describes their pain as 'sharp and localized' in the lower right abdomen. Based on pain localization, which type of pain is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Somatic pain

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the process of 'modulation' in the pain pathway?

Accepted Answer

The inhibition or modification of pain signals, often involving neuromodulators such as endorphins.

Question 4

A 70-year-old patient with advanced dementia is unable to verbally communicate pain. Which pain assessment tool is most appropriate for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale (PAINAD)

Question 5

A patient reports pain that started suddenly after a surgical procedure and rates it as 8 out of 10. Which of the following best describes this pain?

Accepted Answer

Acute pain

Question 6

Which of the following statements about pain is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Pain is a subjective experience and should be assessed based on the patient’s self-report.

Question 7

A patient with a history of opioid use for chronic pain is being considered for a new pain management plan. Which principle should guide the nurse’s approach?

Accepted Answer

Administer medications around the clock (ATC) rather than as needed (PRN) to maintain consistent pain control.

Question 8

A patient describes pain in their left arm after a heart attack, even though there is no injury to the arm. What type of pain is this?

Accepted Answer

Referred pain

Question 9

Which of the following is a behavioral (voluntary) response to pain?

Accepted Answer

Crying and protecting the painful area

Question 10

A nurse is teaching a patient about the use of opioid analgesics. Which instruction is most important for safety?

Accepted Answer

Avoid driving or operating machinery while taking opioid medications.

Question 11

A patient is receiving patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) after surgery. Which statement best describes the advantage of PCA?

Accepted Answer

It allows the patient to control the timing and amount of pain medication within prescribed limits.

Question 12

Which of the following complementary health approaches is most likely to involve the use of guided mental imagery to reduce pain?

Accepted Answer

Imagery

Question 13

A patient with diabetes describes a burning, tingling pain in their feet. Which type of pain is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Neuropathic pain

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of endorphins in pain modulation?

Accepted Answer

They act as neuromodulators, reducing pain perception by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system.

Question 15

A nurse is assessing a child who is unable to verbally communicate pain. Which pain assessment tool is most appropriate for a 2-year-old child?

Accepted Answer

FLACC Behavioral Scale

Question 16

A patient is experiencing pain that persists beyond the normal healing period and has periods of remission and exacerbation. Which type of pain is this?

Accepted Answer

Chronic pain

Question 17

Which of the following is a physiologic (involuntary) response to pain?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood pressure

Question 18

A patient is frequently drowsy and drifts off to sleep during conversation after receiving an opioid. According to the Numeric Sedation Scale, what action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

Reduce the opioid dosage

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of enkephalins in pain modulation?

Accepted Answer

They inhibit the release of substance P from afferent neurons, reducing pain sensation.

Question 20

A nurse is caring for a patient who is unable to self-report pain due to advanced illness. Which of the following is the best initial approach to assess the patient’s pain?

Accepted Answer

Observe nonverbal behaviors such as grimacing, restlessness, and protecting the painful area.

Ch 36: Comfort and Pain Management

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards