The nurse is caring for two clients involved in a motor vehicle accident. Both clients required explorative abdominal surgery. Neither has received any pain medication in six hours and both have asked. However, one client is in greater distress than the other. Which pain theory is useful in explaining this phenomenon?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Gate control theory is useful in explaining why one client is in greater pain than the other. This theory suggests that pain signals can be blocked or allowed to pass through a neurological "gate" in the spinal cord. Factors such as stress and other sensory input can influence whether the gate is open or closed. In this case, the client in greater pain may have a more "open" gate due to factors such as higher stress levels or other sensory input, allowing more pain signals to pass through. Providing pain medication can help to close the gate and reduce the client's pain.

The Nurse Is Caring for Two Clients Involved in a Motor