The nurse is reviewing the principles of pain. Which type of pain is due to an abnormal processing of the pain impulse through the peripheral or central nervous system?

A) Visceral
B) Referred
C) Cutaneous
D) Neuropathic

Neuropathic pain implies an abnormal processing of the pain message. The other types of pain are named according to their sources. Visceral pain originates from the larger internal organs and is often described as dull, deep, squeezing, or cramping. Referred pain is the pain that is felt at a particular site but originates from another location. Cutaneous pain is derived from skin surface and subcutaneous tissues and is usually well localized and easy to pinpoint.