Question

A young athlete asks the nurse why he felt little pain when he broke his leg during a game. What does the nurse describe as having an effect on this patient's perception of pain?

1) Hormones
2) Enzymes
3) Adrenaline
4) Endorphins

Answer 1

The young athlete likely felt little pain due to the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving compounds that can cause a 'runner's high.' Endorphins are released in response to physical activity and trauma, leading to euphoria and pain relief.

Step-by-step explanation:

Role of Endorphins in Pain Perception

When the young athlete broke his leg during a game and felt little pain, it was likely because of the effect of endorphins. Endorphins are natural pain-relieving compounds in the body that are released in response to stress or trauma. They are similar to opiates in their ability to produce a feeling of euphoria and pain relief. In the case of the athlete, vigorous physical activity and the stress of the injury might have triggered the release of endorphins, leading to a temporary dampening of the pain sensation, often referred to as an athlete's 'runner's high'. This is different from adrenaline, which is related to the fight-or-flight response, and enzymes, which are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions. Hormones like prostaglandins sensitize nerves to pain, but endorphins work to alleviate it.

Furthermore, the impact of exercise on anxiety and depression can also be attributed to endorphins, as they contribute to the positive effects of physical activity on mental health. Intense regular exercise can lead to the downregulation of endorphin production in periods of rest to maintain homeostasis. Hence, more intense exercise may be required to achieve the same level of endorphin release.