Characterised by a well defined onset, accompanied by a stress response, resulting in sweating, vasoconstriction, raised heart rate and blood pressure. Acute pain usually responds to analgesia and treatment of the underlying cause.
Possible effects of under treated pain
Cardiovascular -Increased pulse and raised BP
Respiratory - Short shallow breathing,decreased cough sputum retention, infection and hypoxemia
Gastro-intestinal - Slowed gastric and bowel movement
Stress Response - Increased catabolic hormones
Musculo-skeletal - Muscle spasm and immobility (DVT)
Psychological - Anxiety, fear and sleeplessness
Chronic Pain
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