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Which is an understanding the LPN/LVN should have concerning pain?

a. If pain is present, there is a demonstrable cause.

b. A patient with low pain tolerance has no self-control.

c. A patient with high pain tolerance is emotionally mature.

d. The person who has pain is the one to decide if he or she is willing to tolerate it.

User Rupak
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The LPN/LVN should understand that pain is a highly subjective experience and the person experiencing the pain is the one to decide their level of tolerance. It is important not to make assumptions about a patient's emotional maturity or self-control based on their pain tolerance. Pain treatment should be individualized and can involve various modalities from medication to relaxation therapy. Option d is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The understanding the LPN/LVN should have concerning pain is that the individual experiencing the pain is the authority on its presence and willingness to tolerate it. Pain perception is highly subjective, and while it may have a demonstrable cause, not all pain does.

The belief that a patient with low pain tolerance lacks self-control or that a high pain tolerance is indicative of emotional maturity is incorrect and unprofessional. Respect for the patient's self-report of pain is crucial, as pain can include both physical and psychological components. This subjective experience necessitates careful consideration and should not be discounted or dismissed based on personal judgments about tolerance levels.

Pain can either be inflammatory, indicating tissue damage, or neuropathic, resulting from damage to the nervous system. Additionally, situations exist, like congenital insensitivity to pain, where individuals cannot feel pain despite potential harm.

Pain treatment varies widely and depends on the specific circumstances of each case, including the type, severity, and duration of the pain, and any accompanying medical or psychological issues.

User Scott Gottreu
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