NURS 537 Final Exam Study Guide |
Practice Questions & Solutions |
2026/2027
Transduction - correct answer-conversion of one form of energy into another. In
sensation, the transforming of stimulus energies, such as sights, sounds, and
smells, into neural impulses our brains can interpret.
Transmission of pain - correct answer-Action potential continues from site of
injury --> spinal cord --> brainstem & thalamus --> cortex for processing
Perception - correct answer-conscious awareness of sensation
Modulation - correct answer-Neurons originating in the brainstem descend to the
spinal cord and release substance
nociceptive pain - correct answer-Pain from a normal process that results in
noxious stimuli being perceived as painful
neuropathic pain - correct answer-Pain from damage to neurons of either the
peripheral or central nervous system
,Mixed category pain - correct answer-caused by a complex combination of
nociceptive and neuropathic components
Central pain - correct answer-Pain resulting from any disorder that causes central
nervous system damage.
Hyperalgia - correct answer-Increased sensitvity of nociceptors to stimuli and a
reduced pain threshold
When does the nociceptor system function? - correct answer-24 weeks gestation
How do children express pain? - correct answer-Vocalizations, social withdrawal,
changes in sleep patterns, facial expressions, body posture, and poor feeding
What happens to pain when you age? - correct answer-Increase in pain threshold
(skin thickness changes), decrease in pain tolerance, alteration in metabolism of
drugs and metabolites
Principles of pain assessment - correct answer-Ask about pain at every office
visit/phone call
Assess pain systematically (be consistent in using the same scales)
Believe the patient/family
Choose appropriate pain control options
,Delivery of the interventions
Empower patients/families
Enable them to control the course to the greatest extent possible
Non-pharmacologic treatment of pain - correct answer-Strains, sprains: R.I.C.E.
Rest
Ice (then later on heat)
Compression
Elevation
Headaches: Cold compresses; rest
TENS
Acupuncture: Needles into trigger sites
Exercise
Surgical treatment of pain - correct answer-Neural blockade
Surgical lesions
, Psychological treatment of pain - correct answer-Psycheducation
Hypnosis
Behavioral treatments
Relaxation
Biofeedback
CBT
WHO's approach to pain - correct answer-Step 1: Mild pain - Non-narcotic and
adjuvant drug
Step 2: Moderate pain - Weak narcotic, non-narcotic and adjuvant drug
Step 3: Strong narcotic, non-narcotic and adjuvant drug
Acetaminophen - correct answer-Analgesic and antipyretic
Mechanism of action not well known
It is thought to act by inhibiting central and peripheral prostaglandin synthesis
Reduces fever by direct actions on the hypothalamic heat-‐regulating centers -
does not affect platelet
May cause GI irritation
Practice Questions & Solutions |
2026/2027
Transduction - correct answer-conversion of one form of energy into another. In
sensation, the transforming of stimulus energies, such as sights, sounds, and
smells, into neural impulses our brains can interpret.
Transmission of pain - correct answer-Action potential continues from site of
injury --> spinal cord --> brainstem & thalamus --> cortex for processing
Perception - correct answer-conscious awareness of sensation
Modulation - correct answer-Neurons originating in the brainstem descend to the
spinal cord and release substance
nociceptive pain - correct answer-Pain from a normal process that results in
noxious stimuli being perceived as painful
neuropathic pain - correct answer-Pain from damage to neurons of either the
peripheral or central nervous system
,Mixed category pain - correct answer-caused by a complex combination of
nociceptive and neuropathic components
Central pain - correct answer-Pain resulting from any disorder that causes central
nervous system damage.
Hyperalgia - correct answer-Increased sensitvity of nociceptors to stimuli and a
reduced pain threshold
When does the nociceptor system function? - correct answer-24 weeks gestation
How do children express pain? - correct answer-Vocalizations, social withdrawal,
changes in sleep patterns, facial expressions, body posture, and poor feeding
What happens to pain when you age? - correct answer-Increase in pain threshold
(skin thickness changes), decrease in pain tolerance, alteration in metabolism of
drugs and metabolites
Principles of pain assessment - correct answer-Ask about pain at every office
visit/phone call
Assess pain systematically (be consistent in using the same scales)
Believe the patient/family
Choose appropriate pain control options
,Delivery of the interventions
Empower patients/families
Enable them to control the course to the greatest extent possible
Non-pharmacologic treatment of pain - correct answer-Strains, sprains: R.I.C.E.
Rest
Ice (then later on heat)
Compression
Elevation
Headaches: Cold compresses; rest
TENS
Acupuncture: Needles into trigger sites
Exercise
Surgical treatment of pain - correct answer-Neural blockade
Surgical lesions
, Psychological treatment of pain - correct answer-Psycheducation
Hypnosis
Behavioral treatments
Relaxation
Biofeedback
CBT
WHO's approach to pain - correct answer-Step 1: Mild pain - Non-narcotic and
adjuvant drug
Step 2: Moderate pain - Weak narcotic, non-narcotic and adjuvant drug
Step 3: Strong narcotic, non-narcotic and adjuvant drug
Acetaminophen - correct answer-Analgesic and antipyretic
Mechanism of action not well known
It is thought to act by inhibiting central and peripheral prostaglandin synthesis
Reduces fever by direct actions on the hypothalamic heat-‐regulating centers -
does not affect platelet
May cause GI irritation
