Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Pain Management, Rest, and Restorative Sleep Related

Review Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Pain Management, Rest, and Restorative Sleep related questions and content

Which of the following statements is(are) thought to accurately describe the gate control theory?

  • A. Transmission of pain impulses to the central nervous system is controlled by a gate that is opened and closed by sensory stimulus.
  • B. Stimulation of the broad nerve fibers by heat, cold, massage, and exercise is thought to open the gate, allowing pain impulses to be transmitted.
  • C. Stimulation of the smaller, narrow nerve fibers by injury and damage to the tissues is thought to open the gate, allowing pain impulses to be transmitted.
  • D. It is thought that the thalamus can open the gate when stress and anxiety increase and close the gate when stress and anxiety decrease.
Correct Answer: A,C

Rationale: The gate control theory posits that pain transmission is modulated by a 'gate' in the spinal cord. Stimulation of smaller nerve fibers (e.g., by injury) opens the gate, allowing pain signals to pass (C). Sensory stimuli like massage close the gate, blocking pain (A is correct, but B is incorrect as broad nerve fiber stimulation closes, not opens, the gate). The thalamus is not directly involved in gate control (D is incorrect).