Question

The use of patient disctraction in pain control is based on the principle that:

A. Small C fibers transmit impulses via the spinothalamic tract
B. The reticular formation can send inhibitory signals to gating mechanisms
C. Large A fibers compete with pain impulses to close gates to painful stimuli
D. Transmission of pain impulses from the spinal cord to the cerebral cortex can be inhibited

Answer 1

Patient distraction in pain control is based on inhibiting the transmission of pain impulses from the spinal cord to the cerebral cortex.

Step-by-step explanation:

The use of patient distraction in pain control is based on the principle that transmission of pain impulses from the spinal cord to the cerebral cortex can be inhibited. When a person is distracted by engaging in other activities or focusing on something else, the transmission of pain signals to the brain is reduced or blocked, leading to a decrease in the perception of pain. For example, if a person is undergoing a painful medical procedure, such as getting an injection, they might be asked to look away or talk to someone during the procedure to distract themselves from the pain.