Understanding Persistent Pain

About 1 in 10 Americans have reported suffering from pain that lasts a year or more. Persistent (or chronic) pain is pain that occurs on and off for a year or more.

Introduction

Take this quiz to test your knowledge of persistent pain. After the quiz, learn more about persistent pain by reading the Alliance's pain resources.

Questions

True or False? Pain is just a normal part of aging.

A. True
B. False

Some common forms of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are:

A. Ibuprofen
B. Acetaminophen
C. Aspirin
D. Naproxen Sodium
E. A, C, and D

True or False? Herbal or food supplements will NOT interact with medications.

A. True
B. False

It is okay to treat yourself for persistent pain when:

A. You know the cause of the pain
B. You have an infection
C. You have had a recent fall or injury
D. A and C

True or False? It is okay to take more than the recommended amount of over-the-counter medications because these medications are safe.

A. True
B. False

The recommended maximum daily amount of acetaminophen is:

A. Whatever it takes to relieve the pain
B. 16,000 mg (16 grams)
C. 4,000 mg (4 grams)
D. 8,000 mg (8 grams)

True or False? The amount of alcohol you drink does not affect pain relievers.

A. True
B. False

It may be possible to treat persistent pain without a medication by:

A. Exercising
B. Using an ice or heat pack
C. Sitting still for weeks until the pain goes away
D. A and B

True or False? Side effects from medications are just going to happen. I shouldn't ask my health care provider about them.

A. True
B. False

Caregivers can assess pain in older adults with dementia by observing:

A. Facial expressions
B. Verbal signs
C. Changes in the way he/she moves
D. Changes in routines such as eating or sleeping
E. Increased distress
F. All of the above