Question

A client in the emergency department is diagnosed with a myocardial infarction (heart attack). The client describes pain

in his left arm and shoulder. What name is given to this type of pain?
A) Cutaneous pain
B) Referred pain
C) Allodynia
D) Nociceptive

Answer 1

Strong visceral sensations from the heart can be felt as pain in the left shoulder and left arm. This type of pain is called referred pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

When particularly strong visceral sensations rise to the level of conscious perception, the sensations are often felt in unexpected places. For example, strong visceral sensations of the heart will be felt as pain in the left shoulder and left arm. This irregular pattern of projection of conscious perception of visceral sensations is called referred pain. Depending on the organ system affected, the referred pain will project to different areas of the body.