Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What term describes increased sensitivity of nociceptors?

1. Hypoesthesia

2. Hyperesthesia

3. Analgesia

4. Allodynia

The correct answer is: Hyperesthesia

Increased sensitivity of nociceptors, which are the sensory receptors responsible for detecting painful stimuli, is referred to as hyperesthesia. This term signifies an amplification of sensitivity, where the sensory pathway becomes more responsive to stimuli that may not typically provoke a pain response. In a clinical context, hyperesthesia can manifest in various forms, including an exaggerated response to pain or discomfort from stimuli that are normally tolerable. Understanding the distinction between terms is crucial: hypoesthesia describes a decreased sensitivity, analgesia refers to the absence of pain sensation, and allodynia is when non-painful stimuli are perceived as painful. In contrast, hyperesthesia encapsulates a heightened sensitivity that can affect the perception of both painful and non-painful stimuli, making it the most accurate term for describing this phenomenon.