Ch. 4 Pain

The impulses related to acute pain are usually transmitted by:

• nociceptors

• myelinated A delta fibers

• unmyelinated C fibers

• any sensory fiber with a low pain treshold

In which structure do pain impulses ascend the spinal cord?

• Reticular formation

• Corticospinal tract

• Spinothalamic tract

• Relevant dermatome

According to the gate-control theory, passage of pain impulses may be naturally blocked:

• at the synapse by entry of other sensory impulses

• by the stress response

• by administration of morphine directly into the spinal cord

• by referring the pain to other parts of the body

What is the term used to describe the degree of pain that is endured before an individual takes action?

• Pain treshold

• Referred pain

• Phantom pain

• Pain tolerance

What is the definition of endorphins?

• Neurotransmitters at the nociceptors

• Transmitters for sensory impulses

• Opiate-like blocking agents in the central nervous system

• Pain-causing chemical mediators

Pain perceived in the left arm during the course of a heart attack is an example of:

• referred pain

• phantom pain

• chronic pain

• subjective pain response

A headache that is related to changes in cerebral blood flow is classifies as a/an ____________ headache.

• tension

• sinus

• migraine

• intracranial

What is a common analgesic administered to control a moderate level of pain?

• Merepidine

• Acetaminophen

• Codeine

• Ibuprofen

Which of the following applies to spinal anesthesia?

• It causes analgesia with loss of consciousness

• The drug is injected into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or the epidural space of the spinal cord.

• The drug stimulates release of endorphins in the spinal cord.

• The transmission of pain impulses is blocked in a small are of the body.

Which of the following is a characteristic of acute pain but not of chronic pain?

• Depression and debilitation

• A perception of increased generalized pain and discomfort

• Fatigue and lower pain tolerance

• Severe but short term