NURS 6521N Pathophysiology of Acute
Chronic and Referred Pain
NURS 6521N Pathophysiology of Acute Chronic and Referred Pain
Post a description of the pathophysiology of acute, chronic, and
referred pain, including similarities and differences between them.
Then, explain how the factors you selected might impact the
pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prescription of treatment for
acute, chronic, and referred pain.
Definition
The International Association for the Study of Pain and the
American Pain Society defined pain as “an unpleasant sensory and
emotional experience associated with actual or potential damage
or described in terms of such damage” (IASP, 1994). Acute pain is a
protective mechanism that provides a warning that a condition or
injury is actively harming the body. It motivates the affected
individual to take immediate action in controlling or eradicating
the pain.
Acute pain is usually short term lasting less than 3 months. Acute
pain is usually tolerable but if left untreated can lead to chronic
pain. In contrast to acute pain, chronic pain has lost its ability to
warn and protect. It lasts for more than 3 to 6 months. Chronic
pain no longer correlates with a causative agent. Chronic pain
takes on its own identity and requires special treatment. Referred
pain is a type of pain that can be classified as acute or chronic. It is

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