NURS 537 FINAL EXAM UPDATED
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS.
Transduction - ANS 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 - ANS Action potential continues from site of injury --> spinal cord -->
brainstem & thalamus --> cortex for processing
Perception - ANS conscious awareness of sensation
Modulation - ANS Neurons originating in the brainstem descend to the spinal cord and
release substance
nociceptive pain - ANS Pain from a normal process that results in noxious stimuli being
perceived as painful
neuropathic pain - ANS Pain from damage to neurons of either the peripheral or central
nervous system
Mixed category pain - ANS caused by a complex combination of nociceptive and neuropathic
components
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,Central pain - ANS Pain resulting from any disorder that causes central nervous system
damage.
Hyperalgia - ANS Increased sensitvity of nociceptors to stimuli and a reduced pain threshold
When does the nociceptor system function? - ANS 24 weeks gestation
How do children express pain? - ANS Vocalizations, social withdrawal, changes in sleep
patterns, facial expressions, body posture, and poor feeding
What happens to pain when you age? - ANS Increase in pain threshold (skin thickness
changes), decrease in pain tolerance, alteration in metabolism of drugs and metabolites
Principles of pain assessment - ANS 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 - ANS Strains, sprains: R.I.C.E.
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,Rest
Ice (then later on heat)
Compression
Elevation
Headaches: Cold compresses; rest
TENS
Acupuncture: Needles into trigger sites
Exercise
Surgical treatment of pain - ANS Neural blockade
Surgical lesions
Psychological treatment of pain - ANS Psycheducation
Hypnosis
Behavioral treatments
Relaxation
Biofeedback
CBT
WHO's approach to pain - ANS Step 1: Mild pain - Non-narcotic and adjuvant drug
Step 2: Moderate pain - Weak narcotic, non-narcotic and adjuvant drug
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, Step 3: Strong narcotic, non-narcotic and adjuvant drug
Acetaminophen - ANS 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
Dose appropriately
Mild pain 325 to 650 mg q 4-‐6 hrs
Children 10-15 mg/kg
Moderate pain 500 to 1000 mg q 4 to 6 hrs
Max 4 gm per 24 hrs
Clear instructions
NSAIDs - ANS Nonsteroidal antiinflam (NSAIDs):
Ibuprofen
Naproxen
4 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS.
Transduction - ANS 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 - ANS Action potential continues from site of injury --> spinal cord -->
brainstem & thalamus --> cortex for processing
Perception - ANS conscious awareness of sensation
Modulation - ANS Neurons originating in the brainstem descend to the spinal cord and
release substance
nociceptive pain - ANS Pain from a normal process that results in noxious stimuli being
perceived as painful
neuropathic pain - ANS Pain from damage to neurons of either the peripheral or central
nervous system
Mixed category pain - ANS caused by a complex combination of nociceptive and neuropathic
components
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
,Central pain - ANS Pain resulting from any disorder that causes central nervous system
damage.
Hyperalgia - ANS Increased sensitvity of nociceptors to stimuli and a reduced pain threshold
When does the nociceptor system function? - ANS 24 weeks gestation
How do children express pain? - ANS Vocalizations, social withdrawal, changes in sleep
patterns, facial expressions, body posture, and poor feeding
What happens to pain when you age? - ANS Increase in pain threshold (skin thickness
changes), decrease in pain tolerance, alteration in metabolism of drugs and metabolites
Principles of pain assessment - ANS 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 - ANS Strains, sprains: R.I.C.E.
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
,Rest
Ice (then later on heat)
Compression
Elevation
Headaches: Cold compresses; rest
TENS
Acupuncture: Needles into trigger sites
Exercise
Surgical treatment of pain - ANS Neural blockade
Surgical lesions
Psychological treatment of pain - ANS Psycheducation
Hypnosis
Behavioral treatments
Relaxation
Biofeedback
CBT
WHO's approach to pain - ANS Step 1: Mild pain - Non-narcotic and adjuvant drug
Step 2: Moderate pain - Weak narcotic, non-narcotic and adjuvant drug
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
, Step 3: Strong narcotic, non-narcotic and adjuvant drug
Acetaminophen - ANS 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
Dose appropriately
Mild pain 325 to 650 mg q 4-‐6 hrs
Children 10-15 mg/kg
Moderate pain 500 to 1000 mg q 4 to 6 hrs
Max 4 gm per 24 hrs
Clear instructions
NSAIDs - ANS Nonsteroidal antiinflam (NSAIDs):
Ibuprofen
Naproxen
4 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
