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A 32-Year-Old Woman Comes to the Emergency Department Requesting Medication

question 200

Multiple Choice

A 32-year-old woman comes to the emergency department requesting medication for severe back pain. She has tried multiple over-the-counter agents and says that nothing has relieved her pain except oxycodone. The patient was seen in a pain clinic a year ago but cannot recall the name of the physician and says that her prescription has run out. Medical history includes a motor vehicle collision 10 years earlier and obesity. Temperature is 37.1 C (98.8 F) , blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg, pulse is 76/min, and respirations are 16/min. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. A recent MRI was normal. The patient says that her pain level is 10 on a scale of 0-10 and becomes frustrated when the physician suggests nonprescription pain medication. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step by the physician?

Apply classical conditioning principles to real-world situations, including phobias and advertising.

Identify factors that influence the strength and persistence of conditioned responses.

Comprehend the difference between fear and anxiety within the context of classical conditioning.

Explain the process of reconditioning and how it differs from spontaneous recovery.

Definitions:

Neurogenesis

The procedure of creating new nerve cells in the brain, which aids in the adaptability and learning capacity of the brain.

Synaptogenesis

The formation of synapses between neurons in the brain, a critical process in the development of neural networks and learning.

Habituate

To become accustomed to something through repeated exposure or experience.

Learning Language

The process by which individuals acquire the ability to perceive, produce, and use words to understand and communicate with others.