Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

Which of the following is a characteristic of chronic pain?

1. Localized to the site of injury

2. Often resolves with healing

3. Typically described as burning or stabbing

4. May be associated with lifestyle changes

The correct answer is: May be associated with lifestyle changes

Chronic pain is often characterized by its persistent nature, lasting beyond the expected period of healing, and can significantly impact a person's quality of life. One of the hallmarks of chronic pain is that it may lead to lifestyle changes as individuals adapt to living with persistent discomfort. These changes can include alterations in physical activity levels, social interactions, and even mental health aspects such as increased anxiety or depression due to the ongoing experience of pain. The localizing of pain to the site of injury is more commonly associated with acute pain, which typically corresponds directly to a specific injury or condition. Chronic pain, however, can arise from various sources or may not have an identifiable origin and does not always correlate directly with the level of tissue damage. Similarly, while chronic pain can be described in various ways, including sensations like burning or stabbing, its experience is unique to each individual and not strictly defined in that manner. Chronic pain does not necessarily resolve with healing; instead, it can persist even when the original injury has healed, leading to significant alterations in lifestyle and overall well-being.