Question

The nurse is assessing a patient with acute pain. Which statements are true about acute pain? Select all that apply.

Option 1: Acute pain is not protective.
Option 2: Acute pain has an identifiable cause.
Option 3: Acute pain has limited tissue damage.
Option 4: Acute pain results in prolonged hospitalization.
Option 5: Patients with acute pain seek numerous health care providers.

Answer 1

Acute pain is generally protective, has an identifiable cause, involves limited tissue damage, and may result in multiple health care visits if not adequately managed.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a patient with acute pain, there are certain characteristics that can be identified. Acute pain often has an identifiable cause, such as tissue injury or surgery, and is generally considered to be protective because it alerts the individual to potential or actual harm, prompting them to seek relief or avoid further injury. This type of pain usually involves limited tissue damage and is expected to resolve as the underlying cause heals.

Patients may seek health care from multiple providers if the acute pain is not managed effectively. However, the statement that acute pain results in prolonged hospitalization is not always true, as acute pain can often be managed with appropriate medical interventions, allowing the patient to avoid prolonged hospital stays. Therefore, the true statements about acute pain are that it is generally protective, has an identifiable cause, involves limited tissue damage, and may lead to patients seeking care from multiple health care providers if not managed well.