Question

In providing care to a client with chronic pain, which of the following characteristics or client responses should the nurse expect?

a) Heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse rate may be normal while the client is experiencing pain.
b) Opioid-based analgesics may have little if any effect on reducing the quality of chronic pain.
c) The client may have adapted so successfully to the presence of chronic pain that measures for relief are unnecessary.
d) The actual intensity of chronic pain is difficult to assess because the client may complain constantly

Answer 1

In managing chronic pain, normal physiological responses such as heart rate and blood pressure might be present, opioid-based analgesics may have limited effects, and the assessment of chronic pain intensity is complex. The condition often involves an immune response that contributes to the pain, and treatment strategies must be tailored to the individual patient. The correct option is a) Heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse rate may be normal while the client is experiencing pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

When providing care to a client with chronic pain, a nurse should anticipate certain characteristics or responses. Firstly, heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse rate may be normal while a client is experiencing chronic pain, as long-term pain does not always elicit the same physiological responses as acute pain. Secondly, while opioid-based analgesics are common in pain management, they may have a limited effect on the quality of chronic pain due to factors such as tolerance or the nature of the pain itself. Finally, the assessment of chronic pain can be complex. Unlike acute pain, the intensity of chronic pain is difficult to measure since it fluctuates over time and is influenced by psychological factors, making patients' reports of pain challenging to interpret.

Chronic pain persists beyond the typical healing period and can involve components of the immune system, such as macrophages, which release chemical messengers that contribute to ongoing pain sensations. Management strategies need to consider the complexity of chronic pain, which could be neuropathic or inflammatory in origin. The efficacy of treatment options, including relaxation therapy to analgesic medications or deep brain stimulation, varies based on the individual's unique pain experience and associated conditions.

It's important for a healthcare provider to recognize that chronic pain management is multifaceted, involving careful assessment and individualized treatment plans to address both the physical and emotional impacts of chronic pain.