Question

The nurse desiring to use laughter as a therapeutic modality for pain should assess for which of the following therapeutic effects? Select all that apply.

a. Decreased levels of epinephrine

b. Increased pain threshold

c. Increased ability to face difficult procedure

d. Shallow respirations

e. Decreased heart rate

Answer 1

The nurse should assess for increased pain threshold, increased ability to face difficult procedure, and decreased levels of epinephrine when using laughter as a therapeutic modality for pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should assess for the following therapeutic effects when using laughter as a therapeutic modality for pain:

1. Increased pain threshold: Laughter has been shown to increase the body's pain threshold, meaning that a person may be able to tolerate more pain or perceive less pain when laughing.
2. Increased ability to face difficult procedure: Laughter can help a person cope with and face difficult medical procedures by reducing anxiety and providing a distraction.
3. Decreased levels of epinephrine: Laughter can lead to a decrease in the release of epinephrine, which is a stress hormone that can contribute to pain perception and intensity.