Final answer:
During intra-spinal pain therapy, it is important to monitor for respiratory distress indicated by shortness of breath, wheezes or stridor, hoarseness, pain with swallowing, and cough to ensure patient safety and effective pain management.
Step-by-step explanation:
During intra-spinal pain therapy, which is a management technique for chronic pain, monitoring a patient's respiratory function is crucial. Respiratory assessments focus on identifying any signs of respiratory distress or dysfunction. Particular attention is given to symptoms such as shortness of breath, which could indicate inadequate ventilation or oxygenation. The presence of wheezes or stridor may signify an obstruction in the airway or reactive airway disease, requiring immediate attention. Monitoring for hoarseness and pain with swallowing might suggest involvement of the laryngeal nerves or other structures related to the airway. Additionally, assessing the patient for a cough can be important for both evaluating lung function and for its potential implication of the aspiration of gastric contents. It's critical that the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional review these signs and communicate any concerns during the recovery and care of the patient to ensure both the efficacy of the pain management and the patient's safety.