Which statement reflects the identified nonpharmacologic strategies for pain management?

• A. Increasing physical discomfort.
• B. Distraction and relaxation techniques (e.g., guided imagery).
• C. Pharmacologic analgesics only.
• D. Continuous bed rest.

Answer: (B)

Nonpharmacologic pain management aims to modify how pain is perceived and tolerated by addressing psychological and physiological responses, not by medications. Distraction and relaxation techniques, like guided imagery, redirect attention away from the pain, lower autonomic arousal, and improve coping. As a result, patients often report lower pain intensity and greater comfort, and these methods can reduce the need for higher analgesic doses when used as part of a multimodal plan. The other options do not fit because increasing physical discomfort worsens pain, pharmacologic analgesics involve drugs rather than nonpharmacologic strategies, and continuous bed rest can cause deconditioning without relieving pain. Hence, the statement about distraction and relaxation techniques best reflects nonpharmacologic strategies.