Question

The nurse explains that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) provides a continuous mild electrical current to the skin. How does the TENS unit act to reduce pain?

1) Distracts the patient
2) Blocks endorphin production
3) Warms the skin
4) Blocks pain impulses

Answer 1

The TENS unit reduces pain by blocking pain impulses and by stimulating the production of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. It does not distract the patient, warm the skin, or block endorphin production.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit reduces pain primarily by blocking pain impulses from reaching the brain. This is achieved through the electrical currents provided by the TENS unit, which stimulate the nerves in the area where the TENS pads are placed. As per the gate control theory of pain, these electrical impulses can effectively close the "gates" to the central nervous system and prevent pain signals from being interpreted as pain by the brain, which is similar to the action of local anesthetics that block nerve conduction.

Moreover, the electrical stimulation can also encourage the body to produce endorphins, which are natural painkillers. TENS does not work by distracting the patient, warming the skin, or blocking endorphin production. Instead, it helps in managing pain by modulating pain signals and promoting the release of endorphins.