Comprehensive Pain Management and Assessment Quiz

Nursing

NCLEX

Reviewed by Editorial Team

The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.

Learn about Our Editorial Process

| By Thames

Thames

Community Contributor

Quizzes Created: 7153 | Total Attempts: 9,522,946

| Questions: 22 | Updated: Aug 4, 2025

Quiz Flashcard

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Whatsapp Share on Pinterest Share on Email Copy to Clipboard Embed on your website

Question 1 / 22

0 %

0/100

Score 0/100

1. What is pain defined as? What percentage of hospitalized clients report pain? Is pain subjective or objective? What does that mean?

An emotion caused by happy events. 10%. Subjective. Pain is influenced by personal experiences.

A positive sensation when muscles are stretched. 75%. Objective. Pain is a measurable physical response.

An unpleasant sensory and emotions experience associated with actual or potential harm. 50%. Subjective. Each person will experience pain differently.

A normal feeling associated with daily activities. 25%. Objective. Pain is the same for everyone.

Pain is a complex and individual experience that can vary greatly between individuals. It is subjective because it is based on personal perception and experiences, making it unique to each person.

Explanation

Pain is a complex and individual experience that can vary greatly between individuals. It is subjective because it is based on personal perception and experiences, making it unique to each person.

Submit

About This Quiz

This educational resource is designed to enhance understanding of pain assessment in a healthcare setting. It focuses on critical skills needed for effective pain management, drawing from academic notes and textbooks. Essential for students preparing for midterms in nursing or medical courses.

2. What's your name?

We’ll put your name on your report, certificate, and leaderboard.

2. What are the three dimensions of pain and what do they mean?

1. Psychological interpretation of pain: thoughts and feelings associated with pain 2. Behavioral response to pain: actions taken in response... 1. Psychological interpretation of pain: thoughts and feelings associated with pain 2. Behavioral response to pain: actions taken in response to pain 3. Emotional manifestation of pain: expression of pain through emotions

1. Cognitive-Evaluative meaning of pain: beliefs, values, evaluations and goals2. Affective-motivational: how does it make us feel, what does it... 1. Cognitive-Evaluative meaning of pain: beliefs, values, evaluations and goals2. Affective-motivational: how does it make us feel, what does it make us do?3. Sensory-discriminative: pain perception;severity and localization

The correct dimensions of pain include cognitive-evaluative meaning, affective-motivational aspect, and sensory-discriminative component which encompass beliefs, feelings, actions, perceptions, severity, and localization.

Explanation

Submit

3. What is nociceptive pain? What are the three subdivisions of it and their properties?

Pain associated with tissue damage in viscera, bones, ligaments, muscles, skin.1.Somatic pain: muscular/skeletal, skin; sharp, throbbing, aching, localized2.Visceral pain: organs... Pain associated with tissue damage in viscera, bones, ligaments, muscles, skin.1.Somatic pain: muscular/skeletal, skin; sharp, throbbing, aching, localized2.Visceral pain: organs in thorax; pressure, squeezing, cramping, hard to pin point3. Parietal pain: wall of body cavity

Pain originating from the brain without any physical cause.

Psychological pain caused by emotional distress.

Pain associated with nerve damage in the body.

Nociceptive pain is specifically associated with tissue damage, not nerve damage or psychological distress. It is not a form of pain from the brain without physical cause.

Explanation

Nociceptive pain is specifically associated with tissue damage, not nerve damage or psychological distress. It is not a form of pain from the brain without physical cause.

Submit

4. What is referred pain? Give an Example.

Pain that is felt somewhere else than where the actual damage is taking place. Pain from pancreas can sometimes be... Pain that is felt somewhere else than where the actual damage is taking place. Pain from pancreas can sometimes be felt in the right shoulder

Pain that is only felt at the site of the actual damage.

Pain that is always felt in the lower back.

Pain that is felt in the same area as where the damage is taking place.

Referred pain is a phenomenon where the pain is perceived at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus or origin of the pain. This can often lead to confusion in diagnosing the actual source of the pain.

Explanation

Submit

5. What is a type of pain that can be challenging to identify due to its unique characteristics?

Joint pain. Stiffness, swelling, limited range of motion, achiness.

Muscle pain. Aching, soreness, stiffness, cramping.

Headache pain. Throbbing, pressure, dull ache, sensitivity to light or sound.

Neuropathic pain. Burning, tingling, numbness, stabbing, shooting, electric

Neuropathic pain can be especially difficult to identify due to its varied and often unique qualities that can differ significantly from other types of pain.

Explanation

Neuropathic pain can be especially difficult to identify due to its varied and often unique qualities that can differ significantly from other types of pain.

Submit

6. What are the two types of nociceptor sensory nerves and their qualities?

Fast C-fibres and Slow A-delta fibres

High speed A-delta fibres(fast-sharp)Slow C-fibres(dull-long lasting)

Low speed B-theta fibres and Medium speed Epsilon-delta fibres

High speed X-delta fibres and Ultra speed Z-theta fibres

Nociceptor sensory nerves consist of High speed A-delta fibres which transmit fast-sharp pain signals, and Slow C-fibres which transmit dull-long lasting pain signals.

Explanation

Nociceptor sensory nerves consist of High speed A-delta fibres which transmit fast-sharp pain signals, and Slow C-fibres which transmit dull-long lasting pain signals.

Submit

7. What are some challenges in assessing pain in a patient? Why is continual monitoring of pain important?

May be hard to describe in terms, language barriers, young children, elderly, mental status. Need to see if medication is... May be hard to describe in terms, language barriers, young children, elderly, mental status. Need to see if medication is working, can't assume patient has no pain.

Only physical indicators like blood pressure can accurately reflect pain levels.

Pain assessment is a one-time process with no need for follow-up.

Patients are always truthful about their pain levels.

Pain assessment can be challenging due to various factors such as communication barriers and patient demographics. Continual monitoring is crucial as pain levels can fluctuate, and assumptions about pain can lead to inadequate care.

Explanation

Submit

8. What is acute pain?

Pain that is localized in a specific spot on the body.

Pain that can last seconds to months, usually following an event or disease. Can indicate damage

Pain that is always mild and easily ignorable.

Pain that is chronic and can last for years without relief.

Acute pain is typically short-term and serves as a warning sign of potential harm or injury, unlike chronic pain which lasts longer and may not indicate immediate damage.

Explanation

Acute pain is typically short-term and serves as a warning sign of potential harm or injury, unlike chronic pain which lasts longer and may not indicate immediate damage.

Submit

9. What are some signs of acute pain?

Dry mouth, excessive thirst, frequent urination

Guarding, moaning, agitation, stillness, diaphoresis(sweating), tachycardia/pnea, hypertension, vomiting

Numbness, tingling, twitching

Blurred vision, dizziness, increased appetite

Signs of acute pain generally involve physical and behavioral changes that can be observed in individuals experiencing such pain. These signs may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the pain.

Explanation

Submit

10. What is chronic pain? What is the problem with it? What effects can this have on a person?

Pain that lasts more than three months. It does not serve a useful purpose. It can cause a person to... Pain that lasts more than three months. It does not serve a useful purpose. It can cause a person to go into a depression and withdraw from social aspects of life, change of mood, irritable

Pain that is temporary and lasts only a day. It is a beneficial experience. It can lead to enhanced social... Pain that is temporary and lasts only a day. It is a beneficial experience. It can lead to enhanced social interactions and improved quality of life.

Pain that lasts less than three months. It serves a useful purpose. It can make a person more socially active... Pain that lasts less than three months. It serves a useful purpose. It can make a person more socially active and happy.

Pain that lasts for a few weeks. It helps in improving mental health. It can result in increased productivity and... Pain that lasts for a few weeks. It helps in improving mental health. It can result in increased productivity and energy levels.

Chronic pain is characterized by lasting more than three months, and it is often a debilitating condition that does not serve a useful purpose. It can have negative effects on a person's mental health, leading to depression, social withdrawal, mood changes, and irritability.

Explanation

Submit

11. What are some signs of chronic pain?

Normal eating, regular exercise, consistent sleep patterns

Headache, fever, nausea, dizziness

Rubbing, Sighing, change in appetite, less movement, exercise, change in sleeping habits.

Increased energy, improved mood, better concentration

Chronic pain is often associated with physical and behavioral changes such as rubbing, sighing, changes in appetite, decreased movement, less exercise, and alterations in sleeping habits. The incorrect answers do not align with typical signs of chronic pain.

Explanation

Submit

12. What does the American Pain Society insist upon?

That pain should be ignored.

That pain is not a valid medical concern.

That pain is the 5th vital sign.

That pain assessment is not necessary.

The American Pain Society advocates for recognizing pain as a vital sign in medical assessments to ensure proper treatment and care for patients.

Explanation

The American Pain Society advocates for recognizing pain as a vital sign in medical assessments to ensure proper treatment and care for patients.

Submit

13. What are some risk factors for chronic pain?

Watching TV

Eating spicy foods

Drinking water

Demographics(women have higher rates of chronic pain)Work and lifestyleCoexisting diseasesAdequacy of treatment(was it identified and treated fast enough?)

The three incorrect answers do not have any correlation with being risk factors for chronic pain, unlike the correct answer choices which are backed by research and medical evidence.

Explanation

The three incorrect answers do not have any correlation with being risk factors for chronic pain, unlike the correct answer choices which are backed by research and medical evidence.

Submit

14. What barriers can a patient perceive in pain control?

There are no barriers in pain control.

Healthcare providers always know best when it comes to pain management.

Pain cannot be relieved, will get addicted, don't want to complain, fear of side effects, want another illness to be... Pain cannot be relieved, will get addicted, don't want to complain, fear of side effects, want another illness to be treated first.

Patients can easily control their own pain without medical intervention.

It is important to recognize that patients may perceive various barriers in pain control, which can impact their treatment and overall well-being.

Explanation

It is important to recognize that patients may perceive various barriers in pain control, which can impact their treatment and overall well-being.

Submit

15. Ultimately, what is pain?

"Pain is what the client says it is"

Pain is purely physical and can be measured objectively

Pain is always a sign of tissue damage

Pain is only psychological and has no physiological basis

The correct answer emphasizes the subjective nature of pain, highlighting the importance of the individual's experience and perception.

Explanation

The correct answer emphasizes the subjective nature of pain, highlighting the importance of the individual's experience and perception.

Submit

16. Where are pain receptors most concentrated?

Eyes, mouth, fingertips

Shoulders, hips, back

Elbows, knees, ankles

Ears, nose, toes

Pain receptors are most concentrated in areas that are more sensitive or prone to injury, such as the eyes, mouth, and fingertips.

Explanation

Pain receptors are most concentrated in areas that are more sensitive or prone to injury, such as the eyes, mouth, and fingertips.

Submit

17. What is descending inhibition and what can influence it?

It only affects physical pain, not emotional pain. Emotional factors such as stress do not impact it.

It has no effect on the signal of pain going to the brain. External factors such as weather may influence... It has no effect on the signal of pain going to the brain. External factors such as weather may influence it.

It blocks the signal of pain, information from going to the brain and creating more pain. It can be influenced... It blocks the signal of pain, information from going to the brain and creating more pain. It can be influenced by individual factors; depression may lead to feeling more pain.

It enhances the signal of pain going to the brain and creates more pain. Individual factors such as happiness may... It enhances the signal of pain going to the brain and creates more pain. Individual factors such as happiness may lead to feeling less pain.

Descending inhibition refers to the brain's ability to block pain signals. Factors like depression can influence this process by enhancing the feeling of pain.

Explanation

Descending inhibition refers to the brain's ability to block pain signals. Factors like depression can influence this process by enhancing the feeling of pain.

Submit

18. What is the Gate Control Theory?

A theory about controlling gates in agricultural settings

A theory about how gates are used in computer programming

When certain fibres(A-beta) inhibit the transmission of pain it is a closed gate. Then when the gate is open the... When certain fibres(A-beta) inhibit the transmission of pain it is a closed gate. Then when the gate is open the inhibitory neurons are inhibited and more pain is felt.

A theory about how gates control physical access to buildings

The Gate Control Theory refers to the theory of pain modulation in the nervous system, specifically how certain fibers can either inhibit or increase the transmission of pain signals.

Explanation

The Gate Control Theory refers to the theory of pain modulation in the nervous system, specifically how certain fibers can either inhibit or increase the transmission of pain signals.

Submit

19. What are the two types of pain frequency?

Sharp pain, Chronic pain

Stable pain, Acute pain

Dull pain, Radiating pain

Continuous painIntermittent/Episodic pain: will go away and then come back another time

Continuous pain refers to pain that is present all the time, whereas Intermittent/Episodic pain comes and goes at different times.

Explanation

Continuous pain refers to pain that is present all the time, whereas Intermittent/Episodic pain comes and goes at different times.

Submit

20. What are the three interventions for pain as described by WHO?

1. mild: strong opioid, indicated2. moderate: non-opioid, required3. severe: weak opioid, suggested

1. mild: non-opiod, suggested2. moderate: weak opiod, non opiod, indicated3. severe: strong-opiod, non-opiod, required

1. mild: weak opioid, suggested2. moderate: strong opioid, indicated3. severe: non-opioid, required

1. mild: non-opioid, required2. moderate: weak opioid, indicated3. severe: strong opioid, suggested

The correct interventions for pain as described by WHO are based on the severity of the pain and include the use of non-opioid medications, weak opioids, and strong opioids, with each category having different recommendations for pain management.

Explanation

Submit

21. What are the rates of pain associated with different types of chronic pain?

5-10%, 20%, less than 5%

22-50%, 10%, more than 15%

15-30%, 5%, more than 20%

10-20%, 15%, less than 10%

The correct rates of pain associated with chronic pain, debilitating chronic pain, and chronic pain with neuropathic features are 22-50%, 10%, more than 15% respectively.

Explanation

The correct rates of pain associated with chronic pain, debilitating chronic pain, and chronic pain with neuropathic features are 22-50%, 10%, more than 15% respectively.

Submit

22. Define these terms: Hyperalgesia, Neuropathy, Neuropathic pain, Nociceptor, noxious stimuli.

Hyperesthesia: abnormal increase in sensitivity to stimuli

Neuralgia: severe stabbing pain along a nerve pathway

Hyperalgesia: increased response to pain stimuliNeuropathy: pathological change in a nerveNeuropathic pain: pain caused by damage to nervous systemNocieptor: receptor... Hyperalgesia: increased response to pain stimuliNeuropathy: pathological change in a nerveNeuropathic pain: pain caused by damage to nervous systemNocieptor: receptor sensitive to noxious stimuliNoxious stimuli: damaging to tissue

Somatosensory: relating to the perception of touch, pressure, temperature, and pain

The correct terms and their definitions related to pain sensation and nervous system function are described in the answer section.

Explanation

The correct terms and their definitions related to pain sensation and nervous system function are described in the answer section.

Submit

View My Results