A client tells the nurse that an ice pack works well to reduce the int

A client tells the nurse that an ice pack works well to reduce the intensity of back pain. The nurse realizes that the client is implementing

1. a placebo.
2. distraction.
3. guided imagery.
4. the gate control theory of pain.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: The application of ice is not a placebo.
Rationale 2: The application of ice is not a distraction.
Rationale 3: The application of ice is not a use of guided imagery.
Rationale 4: In the gate control theory, signals of noxious stimuli are carried to the dorsal horn, where they are modified according to the balance of the substantia gelatinosa. By using ice, the substantia gelatinosa is calmed, reducing the pain.