A nurse is assessing a child who recently had surgery and is experiencing pain.
The nurse explains, "The pain you're feeling is sudden and directly related to the surgical procedure you underwent.”..
What type of pain is the nurse describing?

Choice A rationale:

Acute Pain Acute pain is typically a sudden and intense pain that serves as a warning sign for the body.

It is usually associated with recent tissue damage or injury.

The clinical manifestations mentioned in the question, such as sharp or throbbing pain, tenderness at the site of injury, and localized erythema or swelling, are consistent with acute pain.

However, these symptoms alone do not provide enough information to confirm acute pain, and the other options are more suitable explanations.

Choice B rationale:

Chronic Pain Chronic pain is characterized by long-lasting discomfort that persists beyond the expected time for tissue healing.

The symptoms described in the question, such as sharp or throbbing pain, tenderness, erythema, and swelling, are not typically associated with chronic pain.

Chronic pain is more commonly linked to persistent, dull, and aching sensations, often lasting for extended periods.

Therefore, this choice does not align with the clinical manifestations presented.

Choice C rationale:

Nociceptive Pain Nociceptive pain is pain that results from the activation of nociceptors, which are specialized pain receptors that respond to tissue damage.

Clinical manifestations of nociceptive pain include sharp or throbbing pain, tenderness at the site of injury, and localized erythema or swelling.

This choice is the most appropriate answer because the symptoms described in the question align with nociceptive pain.

Choice D rationale:

Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain is associated with nerve damage or dysfunction.

It typically involves symptoms such as burning or shooting pain, numbness or tingling, and abnormal sensitivity to touch.

While some of these symptoms were mentioned in the question, the presence of localized erythema and swelling is not characteristic of neuropathic pain.

Therefore, this choice is not the most suitable option for the clinical manifestations presented.

Choice A rationale:

This choice is incorrect because it indicates the client's reluctance to have their child take any medication.

While some parents may have concerns about medication, the nurse should provide information and education about the benefits and risks of opioid use in specific situations.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is incorrect because it suggests that opioids are not effective in reducing pain, which is not accurate.

Opioids are known to be effective in managing moderate to severe pain in both adults and children when used appropriately.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice.

The nurse should expect the client to understand that opioids can help manage their child's pain.

It's important for the nurse to educate the client about the use of opioids, potential side effects, and the importance of proper pain management.

Choice D rationale:

This choice is incorrect.

If the child is experiencing moderate to severe pain, opioids may be a suitable choice for pain management, and it's not solely based on the severity of pain.

The decision should be made based on a comprehensive assessment and medical evaluation.