NURSING 101 Chapter 16: Pain, Temperature Regulation, Sleep, and Sensory Function

. Pricking oneÕs finger with a needle would cause minimal pain, whereas experiencing abdominal surgery would produce more pain. This distinction is an example of which pain theory? a. Gate control theory c. Specificity theory b. Intensity theory d. Pattern theory ANS: C According to the specificity theory, a direct relationship exists between the intensity of pain and the extent of tissue injury. The remaining options are not related to the intensity of perceived pain. PTS: 1 REF: Page 485 2. Which pain theory proposes that a balance of impulses conducted from the spinal cord to the higher centers in the central nervous system (CNS) modulates the transmission of pain? a. GCT c. Specificity theory b. Pattern theory d. Neuromatrix theory ANS: A Only the gate control theory (GCT) explains that a balance of impulses conducted to the spinal cord, where cells in the substantia gelatinosa function as a spinal gate, regulates pain transmission to higher centers in the CNS. PTS: 1 REF: Page 485 3. Which type of nerve fibers transmits pain impulses? a. A-alpha (Aa) fibers c. A-delta (Ad) fibers b. A-beta (Ab) fibers d. B fibers ANS: C Of the available options, only medium-sized Ad fibers transmit pain impulses