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acute pain
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pain that is short in duration and caused by an acute event
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adjuvant analgesic
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medication that is not classified as an analgesic but has been found to have an analgesic effect with opioids
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affective response
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the emotional interpretation of pain, such as how uncomfortable the pain is
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algophobia
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the extreme fear of pain
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analgesic
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medication used to relieve pain
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basal rate
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the continuous rate of the medication that maintains effective pain management
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biofeedback
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a technique that uses visual or auditory feedback to control bodily functions such as heart rate and breathing patterns
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breakthrough pain
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pain that persists along with chronic pain even with pain interventions
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catastrophizing
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picturing the worst possible outcome for a situation
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chronic pain
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pain that persists for longer than three months
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cutaneous pain
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pain that is perceived from the skin and caused by heat, cold, or mechanical or chemical stimuli
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distraction
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a method that moves patients’ attention away from painful stimuli
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distress
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extreme physical or mental suffering such as pain, anxiety, or sadness
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etiology of pain
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the specific cause of pain
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fight-or-flight response
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the automatic response from the sympathetic nervous system to a perceived stressful or dangerous situation, which triggers the body to either run away from or fight the perceived threat
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first line therapy
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medical treatment that is recommended as the best option for the initial treatment of a disease or medical condition
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guided imagery
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a relaxation technique that uses images or scenes to invoke positive and relaxing feelings
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idiopathic pain
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chronic pain from an unknown origin
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massage
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a form of therapeutic touch where a professional uses touch and pressure to loosen tight muscles and tendons
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McCaffrey Initial Pain Assessment Tool
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a pain assessment tool that uses visual aids and questions including elements of the PQRSTU mnemonic to provide a comprehensive pain assessment
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modification of pain
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a change by the brain in the intensity of the pain signal based on the situation that originated the pain signal
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neuropathic pain
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pain caused by neurological damage or dysfunction
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neurotransmitter
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a chemical that carries messages between neurons to communicate throughout the body
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nociception
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the process by which painful stimuli are detected by nociceptors and send the pain signals from the peripheral nervous system to the brain
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nociceptive pain
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pain that originates in the peripheral nervous system from stimulation by heat, cold, or mechanical or chemical stimuli
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nociceptor
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a type of sensory receptor in the peripheral nervous system that responds to potentially damaging stimuli by sending nerve signals to the central nervous system
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nonopioid analgesic
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medication, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), used for acute and chronic pain relief
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nonpharmacological therapy
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interventions that reduce pain without using medication
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nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
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medication that provides mild to moderate pain relief while also reducing fever and inflammation by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins
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opioid analgesic
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powerful prescription medication that helps reduce pain by blocking pain signals
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parasympathetic nervous system
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the part of the autonomic nervous system that opposes the sympathetic nervous system and regulates automatic bodily functions in times of rest and relaxation
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patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)
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a form of pain medication administration that allows hospitalized patients with severe pain to safely self-administer opioid medications using a programmed pump
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pharmacological therapy
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the use of medication to treat a disease, illness, or medical condition
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physical dependence
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a condition in which a patient experiences physical symptoms of withdrawal when stopping a medication
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physical therapy
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the use of exercise and movement to improve strength and flexibility
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physiologic response
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the body’s involuntary response to a stimulus such as inflammation or changes in heart rate and blood pressure
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physiological factor
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a physical factor that relates to a person’s perception of pain
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placebo effect
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an improvement in a condition, such as the lessening of pain, that occurs due to the patient believing a treatment will be effective
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post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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a psychiatric disorder in which a person experiences lingering effects triggered by a past traumatic event
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psychosocial factor
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a social factor that relates to a person’s perception of pain
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referred pain
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pain perceived at a location other than the site originating the painful stimulus
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somatic pain
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pain that originates in ligaments, tendons, bones, blood vessels, and muscles
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tolerance
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a built-up resistance of the body to a medication
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transduction of pain
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the starting point of the pain process when stimuli activate nociceptors to alert the brain
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transmission of pain
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the second step of the pain process when the pain signal is sent from the peripheral to the central nervous system
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visceral pain
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pain that is activated when internal organs such as the stomach and kidneys are damaged
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vocalization
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the use of sounds, noises, and words to express pain
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Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale
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a visual pain assessment tool using drawings of different faces exhibiting increasing levels of pain