Question 1

Which of the following best describes the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) definition of pain?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

A patient describes their pain as 'burning' and 'shooting' following a spinal cord injury. Which type of pain are they most likely experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Neuropathic pain

Question 3

Which process in nociception involves the release of serotonin, bradykinin, histamine, substance P, and prostaglandins?

Accepted Answer

Transduction

Question 4

A patient with chronic pain reports that even light touch causes severe pain. This phenomenon is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Allodynia

Question 5

Which neurotransmitters are primarily involved in the descending inhibitory modulation of pain?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin and norepinephrine

Question 6

A patient is unable to self-report pain due to advanced dementia. According to the hierarchy of pain measures, what is the next best step?

Accepted Answer

Observe behaviors and use a validated observational tool

Question 7

Which of the following is a primary effect of unrelieved pain on the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Decreased respiratory rate and hypoxemia

Question 8

A patient with a fractured femur rates their pain as 8/10 on a numeric rating scale. According to McCaffery’s definition, how should the nurse interpret this report?

Accepted Answer

The patient’s self-report is the most reliable indicator of their pain.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why NSAIDs are effective in managing pain?

Accepted Answer

They inhibit COX enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and inflammation.

Question 10

A patient with chronic back pain is prescribed an antidepressant for pain management. What is the most likely mechanism for its analgesic effect?

Accepted Answer

Impairing the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine

Question 11

Which of the following is a recommended strategy when a clinician doubts a patient’s report of pain?

Accepted Answer

Clarify that pain is subjective and cannot be proved or disproved.

Question 12

A patient is experiencing increased pain sensitivity after repeated stimulation of nociceptors. This is best explained by which central mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Central sensitization

Question 13

Which of the following is a common effect of unrelieved pain on the endocrine/metabolic system?

Accepted Answer

Hyperglycemia and increased catabolism

Question 14

A nurse is caring for a veteran with chronic pain. Which approach is most appropriate for this population?

Accepted Answer

Advocate for multimodal and multidisciplinary pain management.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of endogenous opioids in pain modulation?

Accepted Answer

They inhibit pain by binding to opioid receptors in the CNS.

Question 16

A patient with a history of opioid use disorder presents with acute pain. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Assess pain and provide multimodal pain management.

Question 17

Which of the following is a key consideration when using physical modalities for nonpharmacologic pain management?

Accepted Answer

Assess the patient’s physical ability to perform the therapy.

Question 18

A patient is prescribed an NSAID for pain. Which equation best represents the biochemical pathway inhibited by NSAIDs?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Phospholipids} \xrightarrow{	ext{Phospholipase}} 	ext{Arachidonic Acid} \xrightarrow{	ext{COX}} 	ext{Prostaglandins}$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a valid reason for using a body diagram during pain assessment?

Accepted Answer

To help patients identify and communicate the location(s) of pain.

Question 20

A patient with severe pain after surgery is given IV opioids. According to best practice, when should the nurse reassess the patient’s pain?

Accepted Answer

15 to 30 minutes after administration

CH 9: Pain Management

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards