Question

Understanding classifications of pain helps nurses develop a plan of care. A 62-year-old male has fallen while trimming tree branches sustaining tissue injury. He describes his condition as an aching, throbbing back. This is characteristic of:

A) mixed pain syndrome.
B) chronic pain.
C) neuropathic pain.
D) nociceptive pain.

Answer 1

A 62-year-old male experiencing an achy, throbbing back following a fall is likely suffering from nociceptive pain due to tissue injury, involving the activation of nociceptors which transmit pain signals in response to damaging stimuli.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characterization of an achy, throbbing back following a fall while trimming tree branches suggests the patient is experiencing nociceptive pain. This type of pain is associated with tissue injury and involves the transmission of pain signals through nociceptors found throughout the body, including in internal organs and the skin.

Nociceptive pain results from mechanical, chemical, or thermal stimuli that exceed a certain threshold, leading to the activation of these pain receptors. In this case, the tissue injury from the fall has likely led to the release of chemicals that have activated nociceptors, causing the ache and throbbing sensation in the patient's back. Treatment for nociceptive pain can range from relaxation therapy to analgesic medications, depending on the severity and persistence of the pain.