Which technique is effective for relieving chronic pain in a client?

Which technique is effective for relieving chronic pain in a client?

• A. Avoid any physical contact with the client.
• B. Assist the client with imagery to return to a place he once found peaceful.
• C. Provide as many sources of sensory stimulation as possible to distract the client.
• D. Avoid the use of humor in the client's environment.

Answer: (B)

Guided imagery works by engaging the mind to shift attention away from pain and promote relaxation. By guiding the client to picture a peaceful place, involve the senses, and use slow breathing, the body enters a calmer state, muscle tension decreases, and the perception of pain is reduced. This cognitive-behavioral approach is a well-supported nonpharmacologic technique for chronic pain management, making assisting the client with imagery to return to a calming, peaceful place the best choice. Avoiding physical contact removes comforting support that can ease distress; flooding the environment with sensory stimuli for distraction can be overstimulating or ineffective for ongoing pain, and avoiding humor removes a coping resource that can help diminish pain perception.

Guided imagery works by engaging the mind to shift attention away from pain and promote relaxation. By guiding the client to picture a peaceful place, involve the senses, and use slow breathing, the body enters a calmer state, muscle tension decreases, and the perception of pain is reduced. This cognitive-behavioral approach is a well-supported nonpharmacologic technique for chronic pain management, making assisting the client with imagery to return to a calming, peaceful place the best choice.

Avoiding physical contact removes comforting support that can ease distress; flooding the environment with sensory stimuli for distraction can be overstimulating or ineffective for ongoing pain, and avoiding humor removes a coping resource that can help diminish pain perception.