Pain- definition, types

<3 months

subsidise with healing

sharp/ localised

rise in BP, HR, pallor, sweating,restless, anxiety, grimace

associated with injury/ disease

Acute pain occurs because of activation of nociceptors in the body tissues and

organs activated by:

Mechanical injury (trauma, surgery), Thermal (heat/cold)

Chemical (release of molecules from damaged tissues (e.g. inflammation) which increase pain transmission

Chronic pain:

> 3-6months

dull, diffuse, constant, aching,doesn't go away

associated with restlesness, being withdrawn, depression

Pain assessment should be done using OPQRSTU- onset, provocation, quality, radiation, site, time and understanding.

Chest pain: use OLD CART- onset, localisation,duration, characteristics, aggrevating factors, relieving factors and treatment.

Tools are used to measure and establish patterns, and also understand iv the anlgesia is working. Use visual analogue scales- numeric, intensity rating or facial scales, visual description and vital signs (for patients who can't explain themselves for some reason).