Acute pain
Definition
Acute pain is a type of pain that typically lasts for a short duration and has a sudden onset. It often serves as a warning sign of injury or illness and usually resolves once the underlying cause is treated.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Acute pain is generally associated with tissue damage or inflammation.
- It can be managed effectively with both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
- Common pharmacologic treatments include NSAIDs, opioids, and local anesthetics.
- Untreated acute pain can potentially transition into chronic pain.
- Assessment of acute pain involves evaluating its intensity, duration, and underlying cause.
Review Questions
- What are the common pharmacologic treatments used for managing acute pain?
- Why is it important to treat acute pain promptly?
- How does acute pain differ from chronic pain in terms of duration and onset?
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Related terms
Chronic Pain: Pain that persists for longer than three months and may continue even after the injury has healed.
NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce inflammation and alleviate mild to moderate pain.
Opioids: A class of drugs that include both legal prescription medications and illegal substances; they are often used to manage severe acute or chronic pain.
